Inflammatory disease that has engulfed the conjunctiva of the eye (mucous membrane) is called conjunctivitis. Depending on the causes of occurrence, the type of pathogen, the disease can be bacterial, viral and allergic in nature. All three types require mandatory treatment. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are especially contagious. Treatment is established by an ophthalmologist during an internal examination. Self-treatment of eye diseases leads to the development of a number of complications or contributes to their transition to a chronic form.
Allergic conjunctivitis is quite common, it affects both eyes and is characterized by symptoms such as redness, itching, tearing, burning, swelling of the eyelids. Its manifestations are often seasonal. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by staphylococci and streptococci. Its characteristic features are purulent discharge and swelling of the mucosa. Viral conjunctivitis often accompanies colds. Its main symptoms are irritation and redness of the eyes, severe lacrimation.
Depending on the type of pathogen, viral conjunctivitis is isolated, caused by adenovirus, Coxsackie virus, enterovirus, herpes simplex, or it accompanies systemic viral infections (measles, rubella, chickenpox, mumps, and others). Inflammatory disease often covers both eyes at the same time. Infection of only one eye is rarely observed, since high contagiousness is one of the properties that characterize viral conjunctivitis. Treatment at the first sign of the disease should be carried out immediately, since the virus is easily transmitted by contact.
The incubation period of the disease can last from 4 to 12 days. At the end of it, follicles can form on the conjunctiva of the eyelids, an increase in blood vessels is observed, nerve endings in the eye area are irritated, which causes redness, tearing, and itching. The appearance of serous discharge in one eye often and fairly quickly spreads to the other eye. Foreign body sensation, photophobia, corneal clouding, which can cause visual impairment, also often characterize viral conjunctivitis. Treatment of the disease largely depends on its causes and the type of viral infections. With the development of conjunctivitis against the background of such viral diseases as rubella, measles, influenza, chickenpox, the leading direction of the treatment course is to eliminate the underlying disease. Additionally, eye drops with interferon are prescribed,antiseptic, anti-inflammatory herbal eye wash.
Adenoviral, enterovirus or Coxsackie virus infections are the main causative agents of viral conjunctivitis. Leading among them are adenoviruses. They are transmitted by airborne droplets and affect not only the eyes, but also the nasopharynx. Most often, adenoviral conjunctivitis occurs in children's groups and is manifested by high fever, swelling and redness of the eyelids, eyes, scanty non-purulent discharge from them. After diagnosing this type of disease, the doctor determines the tactics and duration of treatment. The main cure for adenoviral conjunctivitis is antiviral eye drops with interferon (Ophthalmeron, Poludan, Aktipol). Additionally, anti-inflammatory ointments may be prescribed, before using which it is recommended to wash the eyes with herbal infusions recommended by the doctor.
The herpetic type of viral conjunctivitis can only affect one eye. It is characterized by a sluggish process of inflammation with mild symptoms. Specific signs of this type of disease are tearing, itching, photophobia, herpetic eruptions on the eyelids and skin near the eyes, scanty, purulent compartments. Their manifestations in various variations can be explained by different forms (catarrhal, follicular, vesicular-ulcerative), in which herpetic viral conjunctivitis is expressed. Their treatment is often carried out in a hospital.
A mandatory component of the course of treatment of viralconjunctivitis, regardless of age category are antiviral drugs, vitamin therapy, immunomodulators.
In order to prevent the disease, it is enough to observe basic hygiene, use personal household items. Handwashing and prophylactic eye drops with antimicrobial drops are recommended after contact with people who have pronounced symptoms of conjunctivitis.
