Services

Conjunctivitis, also known commonly as sore eyes, occurs when the transparent membrane of your eye, the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed due to an infection or irritation brought on by bacterial, viral or allergic components. When this occurs, the blood vessels within the conjunctiva become inflamed, turning your eyes visibly pink or reddish. Only a thorough examination will help diagnose the cause of Conjunctivitis. While it can be irritating, Conjunctivitis only affects the vision if treatment is not sought at the right time.

What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

While Conjunctivitis can affect either one or both eyes, it is the cause of the disorder that determines the symptoms. They include:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Gritty feeling, especially when blinking
• Discharge that forms a crust like structure around the eyelids preventing it from opening
• Constant tearing up

What are the causes of Conjunctivitis?

The reasons for the occurrence of Conjunctivitis can range from a reaction to allergens, or even bacterial or viral components. To understand how to deal with sore eyes, you must first know what causes the problem.

Viral or Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Viral or Bacterial Conjunctivitis can affect either one or both eyes. Watery discharge is often seen in Viral Conjunctivitis. In Bacterial Conjunctivitis, a thicker, yellow-green like discharge is seen. These symptoms are often can be confused with cold or respiratory infection symptoms. However, both of the causes are highly contagious. Therefore care must be taken to prevent it from spreading

Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic Conjunctivitis often affects both eyes, as a reaction to allergens. To combat these allergens, your body will create antibodies, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE), which in turn triggers the specialised cells known as mast and histamines. These specialisedcells, in turn, produce allergy signs and symptoms.

Conjunctivitis resulting from irritation: Certain chemicals or foreign objects in the eye can also lead to Conjunctivitis. As your body naturally reacts to the disposal of these irritants, symptoms of conjunctivitis will arise.

Consequences of Conjunctivitis

While Conjunctivitis itself is not dangerous, it is the symptoms that can lead to permanent damage to the cornea. This, in turn, can affect your vision. Prompt evaluation and treatment will reduce the risks and chances associated with this complication.

Treatment for Conjunctivitis

The treatment for Conjunctivitis depends on the cause of the disorder. After a thorough diagnosis, your doctor can prescribe:

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointments for bacterial conjunctivitis, which also helps to speed up the healing process
• While there is no treatment for Viral Conjunctivitis, antiviral medication may be recommended in most cases; however, Viral Conjunctivitis tends to clear up on its own
• For Allergic Conjunctivitis, eye drops may be provided to control the allergic reaction or control the inflammation

At the same time, ensure that you maintain basic hygiene habits so as to prevent the spreading of any bacterial or Viral Conjunctivitis. Avoid sharing towels, clothing items, makeup or eye drops. 

Apollo Experience

We, at Apollo Clinic, believe in offering the best form of treatment to relieve you of Conjunctivitis in the most comfortable and quick way. Our services include a thorough diagnosis under the care of our ophthalmologist and state-of-the-art facilities that will contribute greatly to aid your progress in recovery.