#IDFridays Week 36: Conjunctivitis

Home #IDFridays #IDFridays Week 36: Conjunctivitis

Photo Credits: Netdoctor, Today.ng

Name
Conjunctivitis also known as apollo, pink eye, and Madras eye

Transmission

A common condition of the eye that has several forms depending on the cause:
- Bacterial: very contagious, caused by a few strains of bacteria, and more common in children
- Viral: very contagious, caused by various viruses, and can lead to large outbreaks depending on the virus causing it
- Allergic: not contagious and can be seasonal as a reaction to pollen from trees, plants, grasses, and weeds. Could also be a reaction to dust mites, molds, dander from animals, medications, or cosmetics
- An irritant: not contagious and is caused by irritation from a foreign body in the eye or contact with chemicals, fumes, smoke, or dust (can also be caused by wearing dirty contact lenses or leaving them in for too long)
- Fungal: Rare and usually occurs in people on long term steroids or topical antibiotics, or with eye injuries involving plants or dirt
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious and spread easily from person to person through direct contact, infected surfaces, and sharing personal items such as makeup, towels, contact lenses, eyeglasses, pillows, etc.

Geography
Worldwide

Incubation Period
Depends on the cause but could be a few days to a few weeks

Signs and Symptoms

Conjunctivitis can affect one eye first, but usually affects both eyes after a few hours. General symptoms include:

Diagnosis

For bacterial: a culture of the eye is taken and tested in a lab
For viral: clinical diagnosis based on symptoms (sometimes cultures are also taken and tested in a lab)
For allergens: clinical diagnosis based on symptoms

Treatment

Typically the condition will clear on its own within a few weeks
If the cause is bacterial, it can be treated with antibiotics, eye drops, and ointments
If the cause is viral, the virus has to run its course
If the cause is an allergen, antihistamines can be given

Prognosis

Conjunctivitis is not usually a dangerous condition
Complications are rare, but can include:
- Eye scarring
- If the cause is a virus, it can spread to other areas of the body and trigger more serious secondary infections (ex: meningitis)

Prevention: What Can You Do?
Maintain good personal hygiene, wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching your eyes

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