What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is a pathological condition that occurs as a result of inflammation of the conjunctiva, a vascular and transparent layer on the white part of the eye called the sclera, which we see from the outside. This disease is also called red eye. This is because it causes redness, which is admired as the most obvious symptom of the disease. Conjunctivitis can be caused by exposure to allergens or bacteria, viruses. In addition to these; It can also occur as a result of exposure to fungi, parasites, chemical exposures, and foreign body contact with the eye. In some cases, contagiousness is a matter of speech. If it is contagious, it is valuable for the patient to pay attention to the hygiene rules and isolate himself, in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Treatment of conjunctivitis is based on the cause of the disease.
What are the causes of conjunctivitis?
Viruses are one of the most common causes of conjunctivitis. Adenovirus, varicella zooster virus, herpes simplex virus are viruses that cause viral conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis is contagious and can cause mass epidemics. Therefore, it is very valuable for patients to self-isolate if you have this type of conjunctivitis.
Bacterial conjunctivitis; Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae more commonly, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis is a type of conjunctivitis that occurs when bacterial types infect the conjunctiva. This type is contagious, just like viral conjunctivitis. In addition, bacterial conjunctivitis is a type of conjunctivitis that we see more frequently in children.
Allergic conjunctivitis is a type of conjunctivitis that develops as a reaction of the body against some allergens (dust, pollen, etc.). In some individuals, the immune system becomes active with exposure to allergens. Mast cells in the eye and respiratory tract become active and histamine is released. In response to the histamine released, our body experiences discharge, redness, etc. shows reactions.
The conjunctival layer may be damaged by chemical matter or foreign body contact with the eye. If such a situation is the subject of speech, it will be the most correct approach to apply to the nearest health institution.
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?
The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis are redness, itching and watering of the eyes. These symptoms may occur in one or both acclaim. In addition to these symptoms, adhesive burrs may also occur, which makes it difficult to open the eye.
How to Prevent Conjunctivitis?
As we mentioned before, bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are contagious diseases and can spread rapidly in the community. In order to prevent an epidemic in the society, there are some steps that should be applied until our patients recover. These;
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Washing hands frequently during the day (min 30 seconds)
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If the infection is a favorite, to avoid touching the hands to the eyes and to increase the attention to hand washing in order to prevent transmission to others.
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Changing pillowcases frequently
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Stopping the use of lenses for as long as the physician recommends
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Giving make-up a medium during the treatment, paying attention to the individuality of the make-up works you use after smoothing
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Daily cleaning of glasses by washing with soap and water in patients who wear glasses
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not going to the pool until you are healed
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Not sharing personal care items such as towels and glasses with others
