Conjunctivitis Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

• Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye)
• Discharge or pus in the eye, which may be thick and yellow or greenish in bacterial conjunctivitis
• Itching, burning, or grittiness in the eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Crusting of the eyelids, especially in the morning
• Swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear

Causes

• Viral conjunctivitis: most common cause, usually caused by adenovirus
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Allergic conjunctivitis: caused by allergies to pollen, dust, or other substances
• Irritant conjunctivitis: caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or other irritants
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis: caused by irritation from contact lenses or other foreign objects

Treatment

• Viral conjunctivitis: no specific treatment, but symptoms can be managed with lubricating eye drops and cold compresses
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment
• Allergic conjunctivitis: treated with antihistamine eye drops or oral medications
• Irritant conjunctivitis: treated by removing the irritant and applying lubricating eye drops
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis: treated by removing the foreign object and applying lubricating eye drops

Complications

• Corneal ulcers: open sores on the cornea, which can lead to vision loss
• Chronic conjunctivitis: long-term inflammation of the conjunctiva
• Blepharitis: inflammation of the eyelids
• Dry eye syndrome: chronic dryness of the eyes
• Scarring: permanent scarring of the cornea

Viral Vs Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Viral conjunctivitis:
  • More common than bacterial conjunctivitis
  • Often accompanied by a cold or sore throat
  • No discharge or a watery discharge
  • Resolves on its own within 7-14 days
• Bacterial conjunctivitis:
  • Less common than viral conjunctivitis
  • Often accompanied by a thick, yellow or greenish discharge
  • Responds to antibiotic treatment
  • Can lead to complications if left untreated

Symptoms

• Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, accompanied by discharge or pus in the eye, which may be thick and yellow or greenish in bacterial conjunctivitis
• Itching, burning, or grittiness in the eyes, excessive tearing, and blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light, crusting of the eyelids, especially in the morning, and swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear

Causes

• Viral conjunctivitis, caused by adenovirus, is the most common cause
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergies to pollen, dust, or other substances
• Irritant conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or other irritants
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis is caused by irritation from contact lenses or other foreign objects

Treatment

• Viral conjunctivitis is managed with lubricating eye drops and cold compresses, with no specific treatment
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment
• Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamine eye drops or oral medications
• Irritant conjunctivitis is treated by removing the irritant and applying lubricating eye drops
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis is treated by removing the foreign object and applying lubricating eye drops

Complications

• Corneal ulcers, open sores on the cornea, can lead to vision loss
• Chronic conjunctivitis, long-term inflammation of the conjunctiva, can occur
• Blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelids, can be a complication
• Dry eye syndrome, chronic dryness of the eyes, can occur
• Scarring, permanent scarring of the cornea, is a possible complication

Viral Vs Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Viral conjunctivitis is more common, often accompanied by a cold or sore throat, and has no discharge or a watery discharge
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common, often accompanied by a thick, yellow or greenish discharge, and responds to antibiotic treatment
• Viral conjunctivitis resolves on its own within 7-14 days, while bacterial conjunctivitis can lead to complications if left untreated

Conjunctivitis

Symptoms

• Redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva
• Discharge or pus in the eye, often thick, yellow or greenish
• Itching, burning, or gritty sensation in the eye
• Excessive tearing
• Swollen eyelids
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Crusting of the eyelids or eyelashes

Causes

• Viral infections (most common)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., Staphylococcus, Streptococcus)
• Allergies
• Irritants (e.g., chemicals, cosmetics)
• Dry eyes
• Contact lens use
• Blocked tear ducts
• Poor hygiene

Treatment

• Viral conjunctivitis: cold compresses, artificial tears
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: antibiotic eye drops or ointment
• Allergic conjunctivitis: avoidance of allergen, antihistamine eye drops
• Topical antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers for allergic conjunctivitis
• Pain relief medications (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

Viral Vs Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Viral conjunctivitis: more common, no discharge or thin, watery discharge, no effective treatment, but resolves on its own
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: less common, thick, yellow or greenish discharge, responds to antibiotic treatment

Complications

• Corneal ulcers or perforation (rare)
• Chronic conjunctivitis
• Dry eye syndrome
• Increased risk of corneal scarring or vision loss if left untreated
• Secondary infections (e.g., cellulitis)