CONJUNCTIVITIS AND ALL THAT THERE IS ...

Apart from protecting the eyes against the harsh rays of the sun and making fashion statements, these days, sun shades are used to hide eye infections. One of such infection is Conjunctivitis known as ‘Apolo’ in Nigeria. 

Also known as the Pink Eye, CONJUNCTIVITIS is the inflammation of the conjunctiva or thin membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. The inflamed conjunctiva will usually make the eye appear red or pink because the tiny blood vessels that are normally within the conjunctiva are now irritated and enlarged.

The white of the eye known as the sclera is covered by a thin, filmy membrane called the conjunctiva which produces mucus to coat and lubricate the surface of the eye. It normally has fine blood vessels within it, which can be seen on close inspection. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated or inflamed, the blood vessels around there enlarge and become much more prominent, and the eye turns red.

There are many different sources of eye irritation that can cause conjunctivitis.

Bacterial infections can cause a red eye which is associated with a pus or discharge from the eye or a red eye which is associated with crusting of the eyelashes with little or no discharge.

Viruses can also cause conjunctivitis, such as the familiar red eyes, sore throat, and runny nose of a common cold but produces a watery discharge and lasts from one to two weeks.

Allergies, like hay fever, can make the eyes itchy. Other allergies may only produce a chronic red eye. Environmental irritants such as smoke or fumes may also cause conjunctivitis.

Any type of conjunctivitis is aggravated by dryness of the eyes and its symptoms include pus or watery discharge from the eye, pinkness or redness in the eye, inflamed inner eyelids, blurred vision and a scratchy feeling in the eye.

These symptoms may not necessarily mean that one has conjunctivitis. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for a complete examination.

Infectious conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," can be quite contagious, so, if you think you might have conjunctivitis, you should:

Keep your hands away from your eyes;

Thoroughly wash hands before and after applying eye medications;

Do not share towels, washcloths, cosmetics or eye drops with others; and seek treatment promptly.

Small children, who may forget these precautions, should be kept away from school, camp and the swimming pool until the condition is cured.

Infectious conjunctivitis, caused by bacteria, can be treated with antibiotic eye drops and ointment. However, other infectious forms, caused by viruses, can't be treated with antibiotics. They must be fought off by the body's immune system. But some antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections from developing.

When treating allergic forms of conjunctivitis, the cause of the allergy or irritation must first be removed. For instance, avoid contact with any animal if it causes an allergic reaction. Wear swimming goggles if chlorinated water irritates your eyes. In cases where these measures don't work, prescription and over-the-counter eye drops are available to help relieve the discomfort.

So, the next time you see any one in sun shades, have it in mind that the person might not be making a fashion statement but suffering from conjunctivitis.