What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear membrane covering the surface of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, called the conjunctiva. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• redness in one or both eyes
• itch in one or both eyes
• A feeling of perseverance in one or both eyes
• secretion Crust develops overnight in one or both eyes
• tear
• Sensitivity To light

Conjunctivitis can be caused by different things, such as viruses, bacteria, allergies, chemicals splashed into the eye, foreign objects in the eye, or blocked tear ducts in newborns. It is important to emphasize that if conjunctivitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, It is highly contagious and can affect one or both eyes.

on the other hand, Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes This is a reaction to allergy-causing substances such as pollen. although, Conjunctivitis due to irritation may be caused by chemicals splashed into the eye or foreign objects in the eye. Risk factors for conjunctivitis include contact with an infected person, exposure to allergens, and contact lens use.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor to determine the specific cause of your conjunctivitis so you can receive appropriate treatment. It is worth mentioning that in some cases, conjunctivitis can cause complications, such as corneal inflammation that affects vision.

How to diagnose conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the inside of the eye and eyelids).. The condition may be related to viral or bacterial infections, allergies, irritants, and other factors. Diagnosis of conjunctivitis is usually made by asking the patient about their medical history and recent symptoms and by performing an eye examination.

It’s important to note that symptoms may vary depending on the type of conjunctivitis the patient is experiencing, so a doctor must perform a detailed eye examination. Some common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• Red and itchy eyes
• Burning or gritty feeling in the eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Drainage of sticky material that may form scabs around the eyelids

In some cases, The doctor may take a sample of the fluid coming from the eye for laboratory analysis, called a culture, especially if symptoms are severe or a high-risk cause is suspected, such as a foreign body in the eye, a serious bacterial infection, or a sexually transmitted infection. Additionally, if you suspect your conjunctivitis is caused by allergies, your doctor may recommend allergy testing to identify substances that may be causing the reaction.

This is how the diagnosis of conjunctivitis is based on the patient’s medical history and eye examination. In some cases, laboratory analysis may be needed to determine the exact cause of the disease. If symptoms of conjunctivitis develop, it is crucial to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Types of conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear layer that covers the white part of the eye. This inflammation may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or by an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, or other irritants. Symptoms include redness, itching, stinging, and watering of the eyes.

There are three main types of conjunctivitis:

• bacterial conjunctivitis: This condition is common in older adults and children. It can be caused by poor hygiene, swollen eyelids, or an infection. It may also occur in people who are nearsighted or wear contact lenses. Treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis involves the use of antibiotics in the form of drops.
• viral conjunctivitis: Most commonly caused by the highly contagious adenovirus. It causes redness of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, and pain. Other viruses that can cause viral conjunctivitis are influenza viruses and herpes viruses. Viral conjunctivitis usually goes away on its own after a few days, but using artificial tears and cold compresses can help relieve symptoms.
• allergic conjunctivitis: This is the body’s response to an allergic crisis. It is common in atopic patients and those with other allergic symptoms such as asthma, rhinitis, or pharyngitis. Symptoms may vary depending on the allergen and the intensity of the body’s reaction. Red eyes, itchy nose, stinging, watering, and photophobia may occur. Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis includes topical antihistamines and artificial tears.

If you are experiencing symptoms of conjunctivitis, it is important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treatments vary depending on the type of conjunctivitis. If you have conjunctivitis, avoid touching your eyes and wash your hands frequently.

How to prevent conjunctivitis

Pinkeye is a common eye disease that can be prevented by practicing some simple good hygiene measures. The main preventive measure is to maintain adequate personal and eye hygiene.For this, it is necessary Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Wash infected eyes especially thoroughly before and after you clean them or use eye drops or ointments.

. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands. This is especially important to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis, as the bacteria is easily spread through direct contact with infected hands.

is also crucial Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, as this may worsen the condition or spread it to the other eye. If you need to clean discharge around your eyes, it’s best to do so with clean hands and a clean, damp cloth or unused cotton balls. Throw away the cotton ball after use and wash the used cloth with hot water and detergent. Additionally, you may need to carefully clean objects you come into contact with, such as glass or bedding, to prevent the spread of germs.

If using eye drops, the key is not to use the same eye drop dispenser/bottle for infected and uninfected eyes.. It’s also important to wash pillowcases, sheets, washcloths, and towels frequently with hot water and detergent; wash your hands after handling these items. It is recommended that you stop wearing contact lenses until your eye doctor tells you that you can wear them again. And, if you wear glasses, be sure to clean them carefully and not contaminate items you may share with others, such as hand towels. Remember, hygiene is key to preventing the spread of conjunctivitis and maintaining eye health.

• Do not share personal itemssuch as pillows, bath towels and other towels, eye drops, eye or facial cosmetics, makeup brushes, contact lenses, contact lens cases or eyeglasses.
• Don’t go to the swimming pool.

Additionally, vaccines are mentioned to protect against some conjunctivitis-related infections, such as rubella, measles, chickenpox, herpes zoster (shingles), pneumococcal disease, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Be sure to talk to your doctor about the recommended vaccines for your situation.

Treatment of conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a very common disease that consists of inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Symptoms include redness, itching, discharge, and tearing. Treatment for conjunctivitis may vary depending on the cause of the disease:

• viral conjunctivitis: In most cases, symptoms are mild and resolve within 7 to 14 days without treatment. However, in more severe cases, such as conjunctivitis caused by herpes simplex or varicella-zoster viruses, antiviral medications may be prescribed.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Mild cases improve without treatment within 2 to 5 days, but may take up to 2 weeks to disappear completely. In some cases, antibiotics in the form of drops or ointments may be prescribed to shorten the duration of the infection, prevent complications, and prevent spread to others. Antibiotics may be needed when discharge (pus) is present, conjunctivitis occurs in people with weakened immune systems, or when certain bacteria are suspected.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Treatment involves eliminating the allergen from the person’s environment. Additionally, anti-allergy medications and certain eye drops (such as antihistamines and topical vasoconstrictors) may be used to relieve symptoms. In some cases, doctors may recommend a combination of medications to improve symptoms.

It is important to note that if you develop certain signs or symptoms, such as eye pain, sensitivity to light, severe blurred vision, worsening symptoms, or no improvement after 24 hours of antibiotics, you should seek medical attention immediately. Newborns who show signs of conjunctivitis should also be checked by a doctor immediately.

Conjunctivitis in Mexico: an overview

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear surface membrane that covers the white part of the eye, called the conjunctiva. There are two main types of conjunctivitis in Mexico: infectious conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Infectious conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis, on the other hand, can be caused by allergies, such as to pollen, dust mites, or cosmetics.

Mexican conjunctivitis: symptoms and classification

Domestically, infectious conjunctivitis is more common in children and the elderly. Symptoms include discomfort, red eyes, blurred vision, tearing or tearing, and sensitivity to light. on the other hand, Allergic conjunctivitis can present in different waysSuch as seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, perennial allergic conjunctivitis, contact dermoconjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, etc.