The inflammatory disease that has covered the conjunctiva of the eye (mucous membrane) is called conjunctivitis. Depending on the cause, the type of pathogen, the disease can be of a bacterial, viral and allergic nature. All three species require compulsory treatment. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are especially contagious. Treatment is established by an ophthalmologist during an internal examination. Self-treatment of eye diseases leads to the development of a number of complications or contributes to their transition to a chronic form.
Allergic conjunctivitis is quite common, it affects both eyes and is characterized by symptoms such as redness, itching, lacrimation, burning, swelling of the eyelids. Its manifestations are often seasonal. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by staphylococci and streptococci. Its characteristic signs are purulent discharge and swelling of the mucosa. Conjunctivitis of a viral nature often accompanies colds. Its main symptoms are irritation and redness of the eyes, severe lacrimation.
Depending on the type of pathogen, viral conjunctivitis is isolated, caused by adenovirus, Coxsackie virus, enterovirus, herpes simplex, or it accompanies systemic infections of a viral nature (measles, rubella, chickenpox, mumps and others). Inflammatory disease often covers both eyes simultaneously. Infection of only one eye is rare, since high contagiousness is one of the characteristics that characterize viral conjunctivitis. Treatment at the first signs of the disease should be carried out immediately, since the virus is easily transmitted by contact.
The incubation period of the disease can last from 4 to 12 days. At its end, follicles can form on the conjunctiva of the eyelids, an increase in blood vessels is observed, nerve endings in the eye area are irritated, which causes redness, lacrimation, and itching. The appearance of serous discharge in one eye often and quite quickly spreads to the other eye. The sensation of a foreign body, photophobia, clouding of the cornea, which can cause visual impairment, also often characterize viral conjunctivitis. The treatment of a disease largely depends on its causes and the type of viral infection. With the development of conjunctivitis against the background of such viral diseases as rubella, measles, flu, chickenpox, the leading direction of the treatment course is the elimination of the underlying disease. In addition, eye drops with interferon, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory infusions of herbs for washing the eyes are prescribed.
Adenoviral, enteroviral, or Coxsackie infections are the main causative agents of viral conjunctivitis. Adenoviruses are leading among them. They are transmitted by airborne droplets and affect not only the eyes, but also the nasopharynx. The most common adenoviral conjunctivitis occurs in children's groups and is manifested by high fever, swelling and redness of the eyelids, eyes, and scanty non-purulent discharge from them. After diagnosing this type of disease, the doctor determines the tactics and duration of treatment. The main cure for adenoviral conjunctivitis is antiviral eye drops with interferon (Ophthalmeron, Poludan, Aktipol). Additionally, anti-inflammatory ointments can be prescribed, before using which it is recommended to rinse the eyes with herbal infusions recommended by the doctor.
The herpetic appearance of viral conjunctivitis can affect only one eye. It is characterized by a sluggish process of inflammation with mild symptoms. Specific signs of this type of disease are tearing, itching, photophobia, herpetic eruptions on the eyelids and skin near the eyes, scanty, purulent compartments. Their manifestations in different variations can be explained by different forms (catarrhal, follicular, vesicular-ulcerative), in which herpetic viral conjunctivitis is expressed. Their treatment is often carried out in conditions
a hospital.
An obligatory component of the course of treatment of viral conjunctivitis, regardless of age category, are antiviral drugs, vitamin therapy, immunomodulators.
In order to prevent the disease, it is enough to observe basic hygiene, the use of personal household items. After contact with people who have pronounced symptoms of conjunctivitis, hand washing and prophylactic eye instillation with antimicrobial drops are recommended.