WHAT IS THE CONJUNCTIVA?

        The Conjunctiva is a thin transparent membrane lining the inner part of the eyelid and the front surface of the eyeball(the white area of the eye. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva.

WHAT CAUSES CONJUNCTIVITIS OR PINK EYE?

Conjunctivitis can be caused by.

• Infection
• Allergy
• Exposure to Chemical substance or irritants.

Infectious conjunctiva is either Bacterial or Viral. These are microorganisms that causes an inflammation when in contact with the conjunctiva. Other ways can be by trauma, foreign body in the eye, inflammation of the inner tissues in the eyes such as the uvea body. Conjunctivitis could also be a sign of an underlying system or physiological problems such as stress, illnesses.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONJUNCTIVITIS

• Red Eyes
• Tearing and irritation
• Swollen eyes
• Extreme itching
• Excessive Discharge from the eyes (whitish, yellowish, and green discharge).
• Burning Sensation
• Blurry Vision

RISK FACTORS

• Unhealthy use of Contact lens.
• Exposure to dust contaminated air
• Poor personal hygiene
• Dry Seasons
• Immune system compromise.

BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

Bacterial Conjunctivitis is caused by direct contact with bacteria such as the streptococcus species and haemophilus influenzae in children and adults. This process can compromise a person’s immunity and in turn start showing signs and symptoms. Bacteria conjunctivitis can be gotten by different means.

• It can be contacted by direct contact.
• It can be sexually transmitted
• It can be transferred from mother to child during childbirth

Bacteria Conjunctivitis can be mild and can also be very severe, it depends on the kind of bacteria a person is exposed to.

VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

 Viral Conjunctivitis is highly contagious, the most common viral conjunctivitis is the Adenovirus. It can be contacted from the air, by direct contact and from media like water.

    The major difference between bacterial conjunctivitis and viral conjunctivitis is the discharge from the eye in Bacterial Conjunctivitis is a greenish yellow discharge against a thick watery discharge in viral conjunctivitis.

ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS

Allergic Conjunctivitis is caused by Allergens such as Pollen, dust, dry air. It is mostly common in children. It can also be seasonal, especially the dry season.

Allergic conjunctivitis is always accompanied by severe itching of the eyes.

PREVENTION

 We can prevent conjunctivitis by adhering to simple Health tips and they are as follows.

• Wash your hands regularly everyday for at least 30seconds
• Avoid hand-to-eye contact as much as you can.
• Drink water and eat healthy food like fruits and vegetables
• Know your allergies and avoid them.
• Get eyedrops that moisturizes your eyes.
• Visit your eye doctor at least once in a year.

TREATMENT OF CONJUNTIVITIS

Conjunctivitis can be treated by using Eye drops recommended by your Optometrist/ophthalmologist. It could be antibacterial or antiviral, antiallergic or antifungal, or medications for dry eye syndrome.

 If you experience any of the symptoms and notice the signs stated in this article, it is advised that you visit us at SpecSMART Eye clinic or any eye clinic near you