Conjunctivitis Health Video

Video Transcript

SUSAN MCGLADERRY, BM, BCH, MRCP: Hello. My name is Dr. Sue McGladerry. I'm the medical director from the FirstMed Centers in Budapest, Hungary, and I'm going to give you some information about conjunctivitis, another name for this is pinkeye and it's an inflammation or infection of the membrane lining the eyelids. The conjunctiva is exposed to bacteria and other irritants day by day, and usually the tears help protect the conjunctiva by washing away any bacteria or debris. Tears also contain enzymes and antibodies that help to kill the bacteria. So, what happens in the case of conjunctivitis? Pinkeye refers to a viral infection of the conjunctiva. It's very common. These infections are especially contagious among children. Uncommonly, conjunctivitis can be due to bacteria, fungus, and rarely a parasitic infection. It may also be due to allergies, chemical exposure, and certain systemic diseases. Newborns can be infected by bacteria during the journey through the birth canal. This is a condition that needs immediate treatment and can be serious. The use of contact lenses particularly the extended wear contact lenses can also give rise to conjunctivitis. What are the symptoms typically? There will be red sticky eyes with a gritty or itchy feeling as if there's something in the eye. There may also be a yellow discharge that sticks the eyes together especially on waking first thing in the morning. The diagnosis is usually just based on the appearance of the eye, but sometimes culture tests are also needed. The treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the course. Antibiotic medication usually in the form of eyedrops is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. Most doctors also give antibiotic eyedrops for viral pink eye in order to prevent any secondary bacterial infection when the conjunctiva is already very inflamed. Allergic conjunctivitis usually responds to treatment of the underlying allergies. Another thing that helps in all of these conditions is applying a warm compress to the eyes in order to soothe. Pinkeye is very contagious and the symptoms can linger for up to two weeks. Your child will need to be out of school for at least 24 hours after starting treatment so, it's important to see your doctor to have the diagnosis made and the treatment started early. Another thing, if you don't get early treatment for conjunctivitis, there is a risk of corneal complications in adults and children. What about prevention? Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis in the family. You need to wash your hands and face very often and be particularly careful not to share towels.