Understanding Conjunctivitis

What is the Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis or pink-eye is an infection of the lining of the eye or the eyelid produced by a virus or bacteria. Bacterial conjunctivitis produces a thick yellowish discharge. Both types are highly infectious.

Symptoms:

Pink-eye can also be caused by chemical burns or allergens. Symptoms include eye pain, swelling, redness and discharge from the eye. In rare cases the cornea, which is the clear portion in front of the eyeball, may become infected. This is a serious complication.

Treatment:

Prompt diagnosis and treatment with oral and eye drop antibiotics in bacterial conjunctivitis is very important. Viral or bacterial pink-eye infection both last about 2 weeks. During this period, the patient may be extremely contagious and sanitary care must be taken to prevent spread of the infection. Average Conjunctivitis requires some medical attention. The treatment would depend on what particularily caused the conjunctivitis. Bacterial Conjunctivitis ususally resolves itself with no treatment. Antbiotic eyedrops or ointments speed up recovery. For chemical Burns, eyes must be flushed out and the use of Topical Steriods might be necessary. Incidents that require immediat and extreme medical attention are fortunatly rare.

Find out more about Conjunctivitis by visiting the Medlineplus Medical Encyclopedia

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