Conjunctivitis

What is conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva that causes swollen, red, and painful eyes. The conjunctiva itself is a transparent membrane (layer) that lies between the lid and the sclera (the white part of the eye). This condition can occur in one or both eyes.

Although it can be uncomfortable and unsightly, it rarely affects your visual acuity.

Conjunctivitis is an infection, so you should be treated as early as possible to avoid spreading it to other people.

How common is this condition?

Conjunctivitis is a common disease and can go away without treatment. Everyone of all ages can experience it. Usually this contagious eye sore occurs in the rainy season, or autumn in a country that has four seasons.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

The following are signs and symptoms caused by conjunctivitis:

• The eyes will turn red because the conjunctival blood vessels become inflamed.
• The eye feels itchy.
• If caused by a viral infection, the eyes will be swollen and dry, causing watery eyes.
• If it is caused by a bacterial infection, the eye will experience irritation, redness, and pain from within.
• The eyes will also release sticky discharge.

There may be other symptoms that were not mentioned. If you have any questions about other signs please consult your doctor.

When should you see a doctor?

You need to see your doctor if you experience any of the above signs or symptoms that you believe are caused by this condition.

Conjunctivitis is an eye disease that can be very contagious for as long as two weeks after the first symptoms appear, unless it is caused by allergies. Therefore, early treatment not only helps you recover quickly, but also protects your loved ones from contagious eye infections.

We recommend that you do not try to treat yourself carelessly or delay going to the hospital. The reason is, you may experience other eye diseases that have similar symptoms, but are more serious.

Causes of conjunctivitis

Quoted from the American Optometric Association, this condition is divided into three types, namely allergies, infections, and chemical exposure. The following are the types of conjunctivitis based on the cause:

1. Non-infectious conjunctivitis

Non-infectious conjunctivitis is a type of inflammation of the conjunctiva that is not contagious.

Symptoms that appear can include itching with watery eyes. The eyes can be reddish in color, but they are usually not as red as the other types. There are 2 types of non-allergic conjunctivitis, namely:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
  Allergic conjunctivitis generally appears in people who have seasonal allergies. Your eyes will start to swell, turn red, and itch if you are exposed to allergens. Inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergies that causes long-term (chronic) swelling of the outer lining of the eye is called vernal conjunctivitis. It's common in people who have a history of strong allergies, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema.
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis
  This condition is caused by the presence of a foreign object in the eye. If you frequently wear contact lenses and don't replace them regularly, you are more likely to experience this condition.

2. Infectious conjunctivitis

In contrast to the previous one, the various types of conjunctival inflammation present in this group are contagious. This condition can be divided into three parts, namely: <