- Madras eye.
- Pink eye.
- Eye flu.
- It is redness and inflamation of the membranes covering the whites of the eyess and on the inner part of the eyelids.
- The leading cause of a red, inflamed eye is viral infection.
- A number of different viruses can be respondible.
Signs and symptoms
- Vary from moderate to severe.
- Eye redness (hyperemia) is a common symptom.
- Swollen, red eyelids.
- More tear production in the eye than usual.
- Make you feel as though there is something in the eye.
- An itching or burning sensation.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- Creamy white or thick yellow drainage that causes the eyelids to be red, puffy, or stick together in the morning may indicate a bacterial infection.
Diagnosis
- A doctor can usually diagnose conjunctivitis by its distingusihing symptoms.
- However a slit lamp examination may be required.
When conjunctivities means some thing more?Persistent conjunctivitis can be a sign of an underlying illness in the body.
Prevention
- Highly contagious.
- Spread by direct contact with infected people.
- Proper washing and disinfecting can help prevent the spread.
- wash your hands frequently, particularly after applying medications to the area.
- Avoid touching the eye area.
- Never share towels or hankies.
- Throw away tissue after use.
- Change bed linen and towels daily if possible.
- Disinfect all surfaces, including worktops, sinks and doorknobs.
- If your are sick, then limit yout contact with other people.
- Avoid shaking hands with person suffering from conjunctivitis.
- Viral conjunctivitis has no treatment - you just have to let the virus run its course which is usually four to seven days.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops, ointment or tablets to clear the infection.
- To reduce pain from conjunctivitis use a cold or warm compress on the eyes.
