Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva usually from bacteria, an allergy or virus. The conjunctiva is a lining in the back of the eyelid that protects the eye from dust and other particles; however the conjunctiva itself can also be infected by chemicals and other irritations. When the conjunctiva is infected, it produces an itch and redness on the eye.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis are bloodshot eyes and a discharge that could be thick and white in a bacterial infection or clear in a viral infection. When in this condition a doctor should be consulted who can usually diagnose the condition. Although some of the symptoms may be the same as in other diseases, an examination by the doctor will give a positive identification which is necessary for the proper treatment.
After the doctor makes sure of the cause, treatment begins by bathing the eyes with water to keep them clean and free of the discharge. Antibiotic eye drops are usually given if the infection is from bacteria. The doctor may have to take a sample of the discharge to get a laboratory examination to select the most effective antibiotic for the condition. The doctor must know the patient's condition and other medications that the person is taking since some drugs or conditions might be dangerous to mix with antibiotics. The doctor will use different medications depending upon whether the conjunctivitis has a bacterial or viral cause. Conjunctivitis is extremely contagious so the patient must be strictly hygienic - keeping hands washed and disposing of all materials used in the care of the eye. If the infection is in one eye, care must be taken not to touch the clean eye with any item that has been used on the infected eye. This infection normally goes away in a few weeks, but can last months or even years.
