Sore Eyes - Conjunctivitis Symptoms and Causes

Conjunctivitis is commonly known as pink eye or sore eyes and is a very common form of eye ailment.



Conjunctivitis is caused by an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin and transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids covering the front of the eye. Conjunctivitis varies in severity from mild inflammation with tearing to a severe inflammation that causes tissue injury and tissue death. Allergies, bacteria, viruses, or chemicals are the main causes of conjunctivitis.



It is a highly contagious disease and it spreads from person to person through direct contact. Conjunctivitis, though contagious is never harmful to the eyes. Overcrowding, dirty surroundings and unhealthy living conditions can cause epidemics of this ailment.




Conjunctivitis can be classified into three main types on the basis of their causes: i.e. infectious conjunctivitis (caused by bacteria or viruses passed through direct contact from infected person), Allergic Conjunctivitis (caused by allergens such as grass or pollen) and Irritant Conjunctivitis (caused by chlorine, chemicals in soaps, smoke or fumes).

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis:

The different types of conjunctivitis can surface in different forms. The main signs that indicate conjunctivitis has struck include:

• Inflammation of the eyeball and under side of the eyelids
• Redness of the eyes
• Experiencing dry burning and itchy sensation around the eyes
• Swelling of the eyes and sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision and irritation in the eyes.
• Eyes may have watery discharge. During sleep, this watery discharge dries, making the lashes stick together.
• In more serious cases, there could also be pus formation
• Conjunctivitis inflicting bacteria or viruses could also affect the ear or throat and hence conjunctivitis may be accompanied by ear infections, sore throat and running nose.
  

Causes of Conjunctivitis:

The causes of conjunctivitis are many. Here we list a few important ones:

• Medical science believes that conjunctivitis results from bacterial infection, viruses or eyestrain.
• Bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus cause bacterial conjunctivitis.
• The viral form is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold, or sore throat.
• Allergic conjunctivitis may be caused by intolerance to substances such as cosmetics, perfume or drugs.
• Environmental irritants such as smoke or fumes may cause conjunctivitis.
• Prolonged work under artificial light and excessive use of the eyes in one way or the other no doubt contributes towards the disease.
• But its real cause can be traced to a catarrhal (hyper secretion of mucous) condition of the system resulting from general toxemia due to dietetic errors and faulty style of living.
• The infected person generally suffers from colds or other ailments indicative of a general catarrhal condition.
  
  
  
  
• A history of close contact with a family member or any other individual with a "red eye" is also commonly elicited.
• Conjunctivitis may be transmitted to the eye by contaminated hands, washcloths or towels, cosmetics (particularly eye makeup), false eyelashes or improper usage of contact lenses.
• Bacteria in the birth canal can infect newborns. This condition is called Ophthalmia Neonatorum and must be treated immediately to preserve sight.