Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, which can be caused by viruses, bacteria or be a consequence of an allergy, resulting in very uncomfortable symptoms, such as redness in the eyes, production of blemishes, itching and burning.
This type of inflammation can appear in just one eye, but it can also affect both eyes, especially if there are patches that can be transported from one eye to the other.
Since conjunctivitis can have different causes, it is important that an ophthalmologist is consulted so that an assessment can be carried out, the cause identified and the most appropriate treatment initiated, which involves the use of specific eye drops.
Types of conjunctivitis
The main types of conjunctivitis include:
1. Viral conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is caused by virus infection and usually causes milder symptoms, which include only redness, hypersensitivity to light, excessive tear production and itching.
Furthermore, as cases in which blemishes are produced are rare, viral conjunctivitis tends to only affect one eye. See more details about this type of conjunctivitis and how it is treated.
2. Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis generally causes more intense symptoms and signs, with excessive production of blemishes and slight swelling of the eyelids, in addition to redness of the eyes, hypersensitivity to light, pain and itching.
Due to the production of shadows, bacterial conjunctivitis is more likely to affect both eyes, as it is easier to transport secretions to the other eye. Understand better how to identify bacterial conjunctivitis and how to treat it.
3. Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is the most common type and generally affects both eyes, being caused by substances that cause allergies, such as pollen, animal dander or house dust. It generally affects people susceptible to allergies, such as asthma, rhinitis or bronchitis.
This type of conjunctivitis is not transmissible and occurs more frequently in spring and autumn, when there is a lot of pollen in the air, and can therefore be treated with anti-allergy eye drops. Find out more about this type of conjunctivitis and how to treat it.
4. Other types of conjunctivitis
In addition to the three main types of conjunctivitis, it is also possible for toxic conjunctivitis to appear, which occurs when irritation is caused by chemical products, such as hair dye, cleaning products, exposure to cigarette smoke or the use of some types of medicines.
In these cases, signs and symptoms such as watery eyes or redness usually disappear overnight, just by washing with saline solution, without the need for specific treatment.
Make an appointment with the nearest ophthalmologist to investigate the type of conjunctivitis and thus begin the most appropriate treatment:
Taking care of your health has never been easier!
How to know the type of conjunctivitis
The best way to identify the type of conjunctivitis is to consult an ophthalmologist to assess the symptoms, their intensity and identify the causative agent. Until you know the diagnosis, it is important to prevent contagion by washing your hands frequently and avoiding sharing objects that are in direct contact with your face, such as towels or pillows.
How to treat conjunctivitis
The treatment of conjunctivitis depends on its cause, and lubricating eye drops such as artificial tears, eye drops or ointments with antibiotics and antihistamines may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. However, during treatment, other measures can still be taken to alleviate symptoms, such as:
- Avoid exposure to sunlight or intense light, using sunglasses whenever possible;
- Regularly wash your eyes with saline solution to eliminate secretions;
- Wash your hands before and after touching your eyes or applying eye drops and ointments;
- Place cold compresses on closed eyes;
- Avoid wearing contact lenses;
- Change bath and face towels after each use;
- Avoid exposure to irritating agents, such as smoke or dust;
- Avoid going to swimming pools.
If conjunctivitis is infectious, you should avoid sharing makeup, face towels, pillows, soap or any other object that comes into contact with your face. Find out how each type of conjunctivitis is treated.
Bibliography
- AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION. Conjunctivitis. Disponível em: <https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/conjunctivitis>. Acesso em 28 fev 2020
- ALL ABOUT VISION. Pink eye facts for parents & teachers. 2011. Available at: <https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/pink-eye-facts.pdf>. Accessed on February 28, 2020
- AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY. Conjunctivitis: What Is Pink Eye?. Available at: <https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/pink-eye-conjunctivitis>. Accessed on February 28, 2020
