Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that lines the anterior surface of the eyeball and the posterior face of the eyelids (conjunctiva).
When the blood vessels present in the conjunctiva are inflamed and irritated, they become more visible, which is why the eye takes on a red or pink appearance.
Because the causes of conjunctivitis can include bacterial or viral infections, this condition can be contagious, which is why it needs to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
If you want to learn more about conjunctivitiskeep reading this article to be better informed about the many types of this inflammation!
Viral conjunctivitis
It is caused by viruses (especially adenoviruses), is highly contagious, and is the most common type of conjunctivitis.
Contracting the virus can be done through droplets of saliva expectorated during coughing and sneezing or by touching the eyes with infected fingers or hands. Moreover, swimming pools, pillows or towels can also represent environments where these viruses can be found and come into contact with the eyes.
Even though adenoviruses are very common, conjunctivitis of this type can also occur following other viral infections such as colds, flu or respiratory diseases caused by viruses.
The viral type of conjunctivitis tends to first appear in one eye, then spread to the other eye, and the most common symptoms include pain, burning, itching, and red eyes.
Because antibiotics are not effective against viruses, available treatments will focus on relieving symptoms until the inflammation reduces on its own.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is just as contagious as viral conjunctivitis and can be caused by several types of common bacteria such as staph, strep, or those that cause pneumonia or ear and sinus infections.
This type of conjunctivitis can spread through coughing, sneezing or direct contact. Unlike the clear discharge seen in viral conjunctivitis, the bacterial type produces a more viscous, greenish-yellow discharge in the affected eye.
Although inflammation caused by bacteria tends to go away on its own after a week or two, antibiotic treatments can also be given for more severe cases.
Neonatal conjunctivitis
When newborns develop conjunctivitis in the first month after birth, the inflammation is called neonatal conjunctivitis.
Causes that can lead to inflammation and irritation in your little one’s eyes can include:
- blocked tear ducts;
- exposure to sexually transmitted infections during childbirth;
- eye drops administered immediately after birth.
Immediate medical attention is recommended if the newborn shows symptoms specific to conjunctivitis, as the infection can cause severe damage to the eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergies to pollen, dust and so on can lead to allergic conjunctivitis. Even though it can manifest itself like the other types (itching and red eyes), it is not contagious.
Allergic conjunctivitis can be relieved by treating the allergy with antihistamines and using eye drops to prevent them from drying out. Depending on the trigger of conjunctivitis, this problem can be seasonal or present year-round, depending on the allergen involved.
Irritative conjunctivitis
In addition to infections and allergies, inflammation of the conjunctiva can also occur by exposing it to different irritants such as foreign bodies, chemicals, perfumes, etc. Since this is a direct reaction of the body to certain substances, irritant conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Some common causes of irritant conjunctivitis include:
- wearing contact lenses;
- eye exposure to chlorinated water (usually in swimming pools);
- reactions caused by sun protection products, etc.
Exposure to more harmful irritants such as cigarette smoke, certain cosmetics or car smoke can produce more severe symptoms depending on the cause, such as eye pain, blurred vision and swelling of the tissues around the eyes.
Since conjunctivitis can have many causes and types, a specialized consultation is recommended if there are specific symptoms, to receive the exact diagnosis and the appropriate treatment!
References:
- “Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis).” Mayo ClinicMayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355. Data accesării: 04.02.2023
- McManes, Amber, and Adam Debrowski. “Types of Pink Eye: Bacterial, Viral and Allergic Conjunctivitis.” All About Vision, All About Vision, www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/conjunctivitis-types.htm. Access date: 04.02.2023
- Roth, Erica. “What You Need to Know about Conjunctivitis.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/conjunctivitis. Access date: 04.02.2023
- “Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-conjunctivitis. Access date: 04.02.2023
