Conjunctivitis

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. This condition is commonly referred to as "pink eye" due to the redness and irritation it causes.

Symptoms

Symptoms of conjunctivitis vary depending on the cause (viral, bacterial, allergic) and severity. Common symptoms include:

• red eyes: the most noticeable sign
• itching: especially common in allergic conjunctivitis
• foreign body sensation: often described as feeling like “sand in the eyes”
• tearing: excessive tearing as a response to irritation
• swollen eyelids: may feel heavy or puffy

Causes

The main causes of conjunctivitis include:

• viruses: often caused by adenoviruses; viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious
• bacteria: such as staphylococcus aureus; bacterial conjunctivitis is also contagious and spreads easily
• allergies: triggered by dust mites, pet dander, mold, chemicals, or food; this type is not contagious
• irritants: such as smoke, pollution, chemicals, skincare products, or improper contact lens use

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional and typically involves:

• medical history and interview: questions about symptoms, onset, severity, and whether one or both eyes are affected
• physical examination: checking for redness, swelling, discharge, itching, and foreign body sensation
• additional tests: such as fluorescein staining to detect corneal abrasions or injuries

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of conjunctivitis:

• viral conjunctivitis: usually resolves on its own within days or weeks; symptom relief with cold compresses is recommended
• bacterial conjunctivitis: treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by a doctor
• allergic conjunctivitis: managed with antihistamine eye drops; severe cases may require stronger medications
• irritant conjunctivitis: involves removing the source of irritation and using lubricating eye drops for relief

In some cases, visual acuity may decrease due to inflammatory infiltrates in the cornea following adenoviral conjunctivitis. These cases may require extended treatment with anti-inflammatory medications.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• frequent handwashing: especially before touching the eyes
• avoiding crowded places: particularly when someone is infected
• not touching the eyes: unless hands are clean
• not sharing personal items: such as towels, tissues, pillows, makeup, or glasses
• proper contact lens hygiene: including handwashing, regular case replacement, and proper disinfection

Referências

Conjuntivite - BVS MS

By the Einstein Editorial Board