Conjunctivitis refers to a variety of medical problems that affect the lining of the eye. It may stem from allergens or be due to a viral or bacterial infection. Allergic and viral conjunctivitis share many characteristics, but they have different causes and treatment.
Description
Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the eye surface and lines the lids, becomes inflamed due to infection or irritation. Conjunctivitis is sometimes called "pink eye" because the blood vessels of the eye become irritated and prominent, making the white of the eye appear pink or red.
Symptoms
The main symptom of any type of conjunctivitis is the presence of swollen, red eyes. The eyes may water and become itchy. In allergic conjunctivitis, other symptoms related to the allergy usually show up in other parts of the body, such as sniffling, coughing and wheezing. Conjunctivitis spurred by allergens typically occurs in both eyes. Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, may affect both eyes or be limited only to one eye. Viral conjunctivitis may follow a cold or respiratory infection.
Causes
Common allergens that can cause allergic conjunctivitis include pet dander, pollen, mold and dust. According to American Family Physician, the most common viral cause of conjunctivitis are the adenoviruses. Viral conjunctivitis may also occur as a result of rhinoviruses, the viruses that cause the common cold. Another potential viral cause is the herpes simplex virus.
Treatment
To treat allergic conjunctivitis, the doctor may recommend avoiding the allergen. If this is not possible, allergy eye drops may help ease the swelling. Antihistamines or application of topical corticosteroids may also be used in an attempt to mitigate the allergic response. Immunotherapy, a treatment that injects allergens into the skin in an attempt to reduce the allergy, is a possibility if no other treatments work. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own in between 10 days to one month. Antiviral medication can be administered if the cause is herpes simplex, but other viruses causing conjunctivitis are not responsive to medication.
Transmission
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious even before the eyes begin to show symptoms. Individuals can avoid contracting viral conjunctivitis by not sharing eye makeup, sunglasses, washcloths or pillows. Avoid transmission from an infected eye to an uninfected eye by not touching the eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis cannot be passed on to others.
Prognosis
In most cases, the conjunctivitis resolves on its own, explains MayoClinic.com. If the inflammation spreads to the cornea, vision can suffer. People with any form of conjunctivitis should not use contact lenses until the problem clears up since this can damage the eyes.
