Conjunctivitis

The likelihood of developing conjunctivitis increases if you:

• Have direct contact with someone infected with conjunctivitis
• Share personal items like towels, pillows, or makeup with an infected person
• Suffer from sinusitis
• Have certain immune system deficiencies, eye trauma, or other underlying eye conditions, or if you have been exposed to congenital sexually transmitted infections
• Wear contact lenses for extended periods, particularly overnight, which increases the risk of bacterial infections in the cornea

Conjunctivitis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination by an ophthalmologist or eye specialist.

Laboratory tests, such as eyelid cultures, are not commonly performed unless the infection recurs or does not improve with treatment. In certain situations, an RT-PCR test may be recommended to detect viral causes of conjunctivitis.

Here are some simple measures you can take to prevent conjunctivitis:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Always clean your hands thoroughly before and after administering eye drops or ointments.
• Avoid sharing personal items like eye drops, makeup, or sunglasses with someone who is infected to prevent spreading the infection.
• Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen the infection and facilitate its spread.
• Limit wearing contact lenses for extended periods.

Specialists to Consult

It's important to see a doctor in the following situations:

• If you're experiencing eye pain
• If you have increased sensitivity to light or blurred vision that persists even after wiping away tears or discharge
• If your eyes are intensely bloodshot or have noticeable redness
• If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, such as pink eye that doesn't improve after 24 hours of using antibiotics
• If your newborn has conjunctivitis
• If you have a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV infection or undergoing cancer treatment) and are experiencing conjunctivitis

For relief and professional guidance, you can consult:

• General Physician
• Ophthalmologist

If an in-person visit is not possible, online consultations or video visits are becoming increasingly accessible.

Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. The three main types of conjunctivitis—viral, bacterial, and allergic—each require different treatment approaches:

1. Antibiotics

These are used for bacterial conjunctivitis, which often causes red, itchy eyes. They may be prescribed as eye drops, ointments, or oral medications. Examples of antibiotics include:

• Chloramphenicol
• Ciprofloxacin
• Moxifloxacin

2. Corticosteroids

Steroids are mainly prescribed for allergic conjunctivitis, which occurs due to exposure to allergens like dust or irritants. They help reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by the infection. Common corticosteroids for conjunctivitis include:

• Loteprednol etabonate
• Fluorometholone

3. NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often recommended to relieve pain, swelling, and redness in the eyes caused by conjunctivitis. Ophthalmic NSAIDs like ketorolac may be prescribed by your doctor.

Note: For viral conjunctivitis, treatment typically involves cold compresses. Since antibiotics are ineffective for viral infections, the condition usually resolves on its own with time.

While complications from acute conjunctivitis are uncommon, they can occur in some cases.

• Herpes Zoster Virus conjunctivitis can lead to serious complications, including uveitis.

• Conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, or certain adenoviruses can severely damage the cornea or even cause corneal perforation, leading to loss of vision.

If symptoms do not improve within 5 to 7 days, you should consult an ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

Some herbal and home remedies can help relieve symptoms of conjunctivitis:

• Indian Gooseberry (Amla): Amla juice mixed with honey can be consumed twice daily to help treat conjunctivitis.
• Vegetable Juices: Raw juices of vegetables like spinach, parsley, and carrots are beneficial for recovery. You can drink them individually or combine them for added benefit.
• Vitamin-Rich Foods: Foods high in Vitamin A (like carrots, pumpkins, and leafy greens) and Vitamin B2 (like milk, almonds, and citrus fruits) can aid recovery from conjunctivitis.
• Coriander: A decoction of dried coriander can be used as an eyewash to soothe the eyes and relieve symptoms of conjunctivitis.

Always consult your doctor before trying any herbal remedies or home treatments.

Here are some simple steps you can follow at home to help speed up your recovery from conjunctivitis:

• Always keep your hands clean to avoid worsening the infection.
• Gently wipe away any discharge from your eye(s) using cotton or a clean, damp washcloth. Dispose of the cotton balls after use and wash the cloth with detergent and hot water.
• Avoid using the same eye drops for both your infected and non-infected eye.
• Clean your personal items like pillowcases, bedsheets, towels, and washcloths with hot water and detergent. Be sure to wash your hands after handling these items.
• Refrain from wearing contact lenses until your ophthalmologist advises you to resume.
• Avoid sharing towels or other objects with others to prevent cross-contamination.
• Clean your eyeglasses thoroughly before using them.
• Limit activities such as swimming and watching television for long periods.

Once the infection has cleared, follow these steps to prevent reinfection:

• Dispose of any eye makeup, makeup brushes, or face makeup used during the infection.
• Discard disposable contact lenses and their cases used while your eyes were infected.
• Throw away any contact lens solution used during the infection.
• Properly clean your extended-wear lenses as directed.
• Sanitize your eyeglasses and their cases.