Most people know this condition by its popular names pink eye and Apollo, but did you know there are many things that cause it?
Name
Conjunctivitis also known as apollo, pink eye, and Madras eye
Transmission
- A common condition of the eye that has several forms depending on the cause:
- Bacterial: very contagious, caused by a few strains of bacteria, and more common in children
- Viral: very contagious, caused by various viruses, and can lead to large outbreaks depending on the virus causing it
- Allergic: not contagious and can be seasonal as a reaction to pollen from trees, plants, grasses, and weeds. Could also be a reaction to dust mites, molds, dander from animals, medications, or cosmetics
- An irritant: not contagious and is caused by irritation from a foreign body in the eye or contact with chemicals, fumes, smoke, or dust (can also be caused by wearing dirty contact lenses or leaving them in for too long)
- Fungal: Rare and usually occurs in people on long term steroids or topical antibiotics, or with eye injuries involving plants or dirt
- Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious and spread easily from person to person through direct contact, infected surfaces, and sharing personal items such as makeup, towels, contact lenses, eyeglasses, pillows, etc.
Geography
Worldwide
Incubation Period
Depends on the cause but could be a few days to a few weeks
Signs and Symptoms
Conjunctivitis can affect one eye first, but usually affects both eyes after a few hours. General symptoms include:
- Burning eyes
- Pink or red eyes
- Watery eyes
- Eye discharge
- Crusted eyelids or lashes
- Itchy eyes
Diagnosis
- For bacterial: a culture of the eye is taken and tested in a lab
- For viral: clinical diagnosis based on symptoms (sometimes cultures are also taken and tested in a lab)
- For allergens: clinical diagnosis based on symptoms
Treatment
- Typically the condition will clear on its own within a few weeks
- If the cause is bacterial, it can be treated with antibiotics, eye drops, and ointments
- If the cause is viral, the virus has to run its course
- If the cause is an allergen, antihistamines can be given
Prognosis
- Conjunctivitis is not usually a dangerous condition
- Complications are rare, but can include:
- Eye scarring
- If the cause is a virus, it can spread to other areas of the body and trigger more serious secondary infections (ex: meningitis)
Prevention: What Can You Do?
Maintain good personal hygiene, wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching your eyes
Conjunctivitis In the News
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Conjunctivitis-infective/Pages/Introduction.aspx
