The Surgery - 200 Osborne Road - 0191 2814777
www.thesurgery.org 24th May 2013

Acute conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva is the very thin, clear membrane which covers the eyeball and also lines the inside of our eyelids. That is why when you get conjunctivitis it affects not only the surface of your eye, but the eyelids feel sore as well.

Acute conjunctivitis is redness and soreness (inflammation) of the conjuntiva.

Acute conjunctivitis may clear on its own, but often needs treatment from your doctor.

Symptoms
 
  • Mostly both eyes are affected, but often one starts before the other.
  • The eye is red, with the blood vessels over the white of the eye more visible and swollen. The lining of the eyelids also looks redder or pinker than usual.
  • The eye is sticky, with a discharge, which is worse when you wake up and can lead to the eyelids being stuck together.
  • The eye is itchy or painful and can feel as if there are many grains of sand in the eye
  • Sometimes people do not like to be in bright light (photophobia) and prefer to keep the eye closed.

Causes
  The commonest cause is infection with bacteria
The bacteria that most commonly cause infectious pink eye are staphylococci, pneumococci, and streptococci.
Virus infection may also occur. The leading cause of a red eye is virus infection. Viral pink eye is usually associated with more of a watery discharge, not green or yellow in colour, and is frequently associated with viral "cold-like" symptoms.
Allergic reactions, eg hayfever, may cause conjunctivitis, but do not usually cause a sticky discharge.

Treatment
 
  • It helps to bathe the eyes with water or water with a pinch of salt in it. Beware, conjunctivitis is often very contagious. Wash your hands after touching your eyes (or your child's eyes, if you are nursing them)
  • Over the counter eye cleansing solution can also soothe the eyes, but in the presence of a bacterial infection, you need to see the doctor as antibiotic eye drops or ointment are necessary
  • If the problem is a virus infection, then it will not respond to antibiotics, and your body will have to fight off the infection.
  • If your doctor thinks that the problem is allergic, then you may be prescribed antihistamines, sodium cromoglycate eye drops, or nedocromil eye drops.
  • There are proprietary eye washes and lotions which may soothe the eyes, and at least one eye treatment which is for mild infections, but in general these are merely a temporary measure. You should see your doctor for further advice if you do not get better
  • Your doctor may prescribe drops or ointment, or both. Drops stay in the eyes for a shorter time, but ointment tends to blur the vision. Sometimes the doctor may prescribe drops by day, with ointment at night. The ointment at night helps prevent the eyes sticking together which can be frightening for children.

Prevention
  You are more prone to conjunctivitis after a cold, but anyone can pick it up. Certainly it is important to avoid spreading the germs, and anyone with conjunctivitis, and those treating them, should be scrupulous about washing their hands after touching the eyes, and disposing of tissues straight into the bin.

Recommended web sites
 

Infective Conjunctivitis

A leaflet from Patient UK
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