The change from summer to fall and winter brings different problems to each of us. For some, the seasonal changes bring the all-too-familiar allergies, colds, and flu. For others it brings conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent layer that covers the inner eyelid and the white part of the eye.
The symptoms of conjunctivitis can run from annoying to painful, and include:
There are five types of conjunctivitis:
The best way to treat allergic and chemical conjunctivitis is to remove the allergen or pollutant from your daily environment. You should also:
Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are contagious. If you get either of these types of conjunctivitis, measures should be taken to avoid spreading the condition to your other eye or to other people. These measures include:
Conjunctivitis will often go away by itself, but if not, it can be cured relatively easily. However, certain types of conjunctivitis, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to your cornea and impair your vision permanently. You should immediately seek treatment if:
American Academy of Ophthalmology
National Eye Institute
Allergic conjunctivitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/. Updated July 31, 2015. Accessed August 13, 2015.
Infectious conjunctivitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/. Updated June 9, 2015. Accessed August 13, 2015.
Ophthalmia neonatorum. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/. Updated June 9, 2015. Accessed August 13, 2015.
Raizman MB, Rothman JS, Maroun F, Rand WM. Effect of eye rubbing on signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis in cat-sensitive individuals. Ophthalmology. 2000 Dec;107(12):2158-2161.
Last reviewed August 13, 2015 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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