Conjunctivitis

What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, also called pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the whites of the eyes.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis often is caused by one of the adenoviruses, a family of viruses that usually causes colds (upper-respiratory illnesses). In temperate climates, adenoviruses are most active during spring, early summer and mid-winter. They infect fluids in the eyes, mouth and nose, and can spread from person to person on hands and in the droplets of coughs and sneezes. In most cases, adenoviruses cause only a mild conjunctivitis. However, they are capable of causing keratoconjunctivitis, a more serious infection that can cloud the cornea and interfere with vision. Besides adenoviruses, other viruses that cause conjunctivitis include enteroviruses, the measles virus (rubeola) and the herpes simplex virus.
Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by several different types of bacteria, including Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococci, staphylococci (staph) and streptococci (strep). Most bacterial infections spread through contact with hands that have been contaminated with the bacteria. Children born to mothers with gonorrhea or chlamydia also can develop conjunctivitis if their eyes are infected by contaminated secretions in the birth canal during vaginal delivery

What are the symptoms of Conjuntvitis?
Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

Red, watery eyes
Eye discomfort (feeling "itchy" or "scratchy")
A discharge from the eyes that may form crusts around the eyelashes

If it's viral conjunctivitis, this eye discharge tends to be thin, clear and watery, while the eye discharge from bacterial conjunctivitis it is often thick, discolored (yellow or greenish), cloudy and sticky. Sometimes, the discharge is so sticky that the eyelids stick to one another. This is most likely to happen after waking up from sleep. With allergic conjunctivitis, both eyes usually are involved, itching is more intense and the eyes may swell.

Diagnosis of Conjunctivitis
Your doctor will suspect conjunctivitis if you have an itchy, red eye with a discharge or increased tearing. If your doctor suspects bacterial conjunctivitis, he or she may take a sample of your eye discharge and send it to a laboratory to be tested.


Contact Us Shipping & Return Policy	Shopping Basket Shop by Store Shop by Brand	About Us Privacy Policy Resources

© Copyright 2005 - 2012 PillPod.com
Statements made, or products sold through this web site, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should carefully read all product packaging and labels. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your medical professional. We are not responsible for incorrect or outdated product descriptions and/or images.