It is also called a Pink eye. It might result in the inflammation the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid.
The most common causes of pink eye are:
Viruses or bacteria
Bacterial conjunctivitis is most often caused by the same type of bacteria that cause strep throat and staph infections. Conjunctivitis caused by a virus, on the other hand, is usually the result of one of the viruses that cause the common cold.
Whatever the cause, viral and bacterial pink eye is considered highly contagious. It can easily be transmitted from one person to another simply by hand contact.
Allergies
Allergens, such as pollen, can cause pink eye in one or both of your eyes.
An allergic reaction to things like pollen, dust, or smoke. Or it could be due to a special type of allergy that affects some people who wear contact lenses.
Irritants such as shampoo, dirt, smoke and pollutants, pool chlorine.
Allergens stimulate your body to create more histamines, which cause inflammation as a part of your body’s response to what it thinks is an infection. In turn, this causes allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis is usually itchy.
Chemicals
You also need to be careful if a foreign substance or chemical splashes into your eyes. Chemicals such as chlorine, found in backyard swimming pools, can cause conjunctivitis. Rinsing your eyes with water is a simple and effective way to keep a chemical irritant from causing pink eye. An reaction to eyedrops.
When allergens enters the tear flim, it triggers the conjunctival mast cells that bear the IgE antibodies.
Calcium enters the cell
Degranulation of mast cells results in production of Histamine
Histamine release causes Vasodilatation and oedema and resulting reddishness and swelling of the eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis:
It is more common among the people who is already more prone to seasonal allergies. They develop it when they come into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction in their eyes.
Giant papillary conjunctivitis:
It is a type of allergic conjunctivitis caused by the chronic presence of a foreign body in the eye. People who wear hard or rigid contact lenses, wear soft contact lenses that are not replaced frequently, have an exposed suture on the surface of the eye or have a prosthetic eye are more likely to develop this form of conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs more commonly among people who already have seasonal allergies. They develop it when they come into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction in their eyes.
Giant papillary conjunctivitis is a type of allergic conjunctivitis caused by the chronic presence of a foreign body in the eye.
Bacterial conjunctivitis caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria from your own skin or respiratory system. Insects, physical contact with other people, poor hygiene (touching the eye with unclean hands), or using contaminated eye makeup and facial lotions can also cause the infection. Sharing makeup and wearing contact lenses that are not your own or are improperly cleaned can also cause bacterial conjunctivitis.
Viral conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by contagious viruses associated with the common cold. It can develop through exposure to the coughing or sneezing of someone with an upper respiratory tract infection. Viral conjunctivitis can also occur as the virus spreads along the body's own mucous membranes, which connect the lungs, throat, nose, tear ducts and conjunctiva. Since the tears drain into the nasal passageway, forceful nose blowing can cause a virus to move from your respiratory system to your eyes.
Ophthalmia neonatorum is a severe form of bacterial conjunctivitis that occurs in newborn babies. This is a serious condition that could lead to permanent eye damage if it is not treated immediately. Ophthalmia neonatorum occurs when an infant is exposed to chlamydia or gonorrhea while passing through the birth canal.
Chemical conjunctivitis
Chemical Conjunctivitis can be caused by irritants like air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to noxious chemicals.
Conjunctivitis occurs by the exposure to contaminated air and water. It also spreads by bare exposure of eye to environment.
lots of mucus, pus, or thick yellow discharge from the eyes. There can be so much that your eyelashes stick together (usually with bacterial conjunctivitis
Cytology scraping:
Ophthalmologist acquires the scraping from the conjunctiva and see those abnormalities using microscopy.
Polymerase chain reaction:
This is done by the amplification of the DNA of the infectious agents.
Direct fluoresecense monoclonal antibody test:
The smears obtained from the conjunctiva are stained and results are examined.
Viral:
This treatment can be resolve on its own and it does not require any specific treatment.
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine pr Mast cell stabilizer such as Cromolyn sodium might provide effective results against conjunctivitis.
Allergic:
Cool water can be poured over the face with face inclined downwards which might result in constriction of capillaries, and artificial tears which might sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases nonsteroidal anti inflammatory and antihistamines can be prescribed. Persistent allergic conjunctivitis might also require topical steroid drops.
Bacterial:
It usually resolves without the treatment. Topical antibiotics can be given if medications does not provide any improvement after 3 days. Contact lenses might also causes relief of symptoms. Gonorrhoel or chlamydial infections might require both oral and topical antibiotics.
Fluroquinolones, sodium sulfacetamide or trimethoprim/polymyxin may be used typically 7-10 days.
Chemical:
Conjunctivitis due to chemical reactions can be treated via irrigation with the Ringer’s lactate or saline solution. Chemical injuries particularly alkali burns are medical emergencies as they can lead to severe scarring and intraocualr damage.
Conjunctivitis can resolve within 5-7 days in 65 % of cases.
Don't share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items
