Conjuctivitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Conjuctivitis is an inflammation or redness of the lining of the white part of the eye and the underside of the eyelid (conjunctiva) that can be caused by infection, allergic reaction, or physical agents like infrared or ultra-violet light.

Conjunctivitis Causes

Viral conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis may affect one or both eyes. Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a watery or mucous discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis often produces a thicker, yellow-green discharge and may be associated with a respiratory infection or with a sore throat.

Conjunctivitis caused by some bacteria and viruses can spread easily from person to person, but are not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly.Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and usually occurs in the spring and summer. It is usually triggered by exposure to plant pollen and grasses. People who are allergic to animals or dust mites may be affected year-round.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually more severe and is caused by various types of bacteria. Bacterial conjunctivitis is also contagious and usually requires a short course of antibiotic eye drops or ointment.

Chemical conjunctivitis: Many types of chemicals like sprays, perfumes, deodorants, household cleaners, can irritate the conjunctiva.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

The symptoms of conjunctivitis include itchiness, redness, excessive tears, a gritty feeling in the eyes, blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, and a green or white discharge around the corners of the eyes. Often the eyes stick together when you wake up.

Giant papillary pink eye will lead to red watery eyes with discharge and tears. This will develop swelling in the inner sides of the eye lids and irritation increases when the same old contact lenses are used.

What Treatments Help Allergic Conjunctivitis?

The best relief for any allergy is to eliminate or reduce exposure to the allergen. While avoiding certain drugs or foods may provide a solution, treatment would be more difficult if the offending allergen is as widespread as pollens. In these cases, taking medications to blunt the allergic reaction may be necessary.

Herbs barberry: The Oregon grape and goldenseal contain berberine, a substance which is used as a treatment for conjunctivitis.

Chamomile: Chomoline is another effective herbal remedy which is used to soothe conjunctivitis symptoms.

The patient should also adopt various methods of relaxing and strengthening the eyes. These include moving the eyes gently up and down, from side to side and in a circle - clockwise and anticlockwise; rotating the neck in circles and semicircles; and briskly moving the shoulders clockwise and anticlockwise. Palming is highly beneficial in removing strain and relaxing the eyes and its surrounding tissues. The procedure is as follows: sit in a comfortable position and relax with your eyes closed. Cover the eyes with the palms, right palm over the right eye and the left over the left eye. Do not press on the eye balls. Then allow your elbows to drop to your knees, which should be fairly close together.