The eyes are so important and yet they are susceptible to developing diseases from various sources. They can be affected by endocrine disorders, metabolic disorders, vascular problems, impaired immune systems and even by vitamin deficiencies. They can also develop diseases due to bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Pharyngoconjunctival Fever
According to Francisco Garcia-Ferrer, M.D., Associate Professor at the University of California-Davis in "Vaughan & Asbury's General Ophthalmology," pharyngoconjunctival fever is an eye disease which is usually caused by the adenovirus type 3. It can also be caused by types 4 and 7. The disease has the nickname of "swimming pool conjunctivitis," because it is commonly seen in children who have been swimming in pools that were not properly chlorinated. Thus, it can cause outbreaks in places such as summer camps. Children usually have a fever, sore throat and inflammation in one or both eyes, which gives it the additional nickname of "pink eye."
Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is also caused by adenovirus, but by types 8, 19, 29 and 37. George Brooks, M.D., Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology at the University of California writes in "Jawetz, Melnick, & Adelberg's Medical Microbiology," that this disease is usually seen in adults. It is very contagious, living for weeks on towels and sinks. Keratoconjunctivitis is the inflammation of the cornea (in the front of the eye) and the conjunctiva (the membrane inside the eyelid and front of the eye). The symptoms may start in only one eye, but the disease will usually involve both eyes. It will be painful, and the light may hurt. You may also have swollen eyelids, hemorrhaging and scarring.
CMV Retinitis
Retinitis is the inflammation of the retina. CMV retinitis is inflammation caused by the cytomegalovirus and is the primary cause of blindness in people with AIDS. Similar to epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, the symptoms may start in one eye, but then spread to both eyes. But as J. Michael Ballester, M.D., Assistant Professor at Boonshoft School of Medicine writes in the "Atlas of Emergency Medicine," CMV retinitis can cause headache, pain, blind spots and hemorrhaging as well as vision loss.
Blepharoconjunctivitis
Blepharoconjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva that is underneath the eyelid. It can be caused by the varicella zoster and molluscum contagiosum viruses. When it is caused by varicella zoster, you may develop a tender lymph node in front of your ear before your eye is affected. You may develop lesions on your eyelids, which can become scars. If this eye disease is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus, you will have a nodule (little bump) on your eyelid or eyebrow.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Conjunctivitis
Dr. Garcia-Ferrer writes that herpes simplex virus (HSV) conjunctivitis is usually seen in young children and newborn babies. HSV type 1 usually affects children, while type 2 affects babies. They may have herpes blisters on their eyelids, which can develop into scars, and may have keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). They may also have swollen eyelids, pain and light may hurt their eyes.
References
- "Atlas of Emergency Medicine"; Kevin Knoop, M.D., Lawrence Stack, M.D. et al.; 2010
- "Jawetz, Melnick, & Adelberg's Medical Microbiology"; George Brooks, M.D., Karen Carroll, M.D., Janet Butel, Ph.D., Stephen Morse, Ph.D.; 2007
- "Vaughan & Asbury's General Ophthalmology"; Paul Riordan-Eva, FRCS, John Whitcher, M.D.; 2008
