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. This disease is also called red eye. This is because it causes redness in the eye as the most prominent symptom of the disease. Conjunctivitis can usually be caused by exposure to allergens or bacteria or viruses. Additionally; It can also occur as a result of exposure to fungi, parasites, chemical substances and foreign body contact with the eye. In some cases, it is contagious. If it is contagious, it is important for the patient to pay attention to the hygiene rules and self-isolate 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 important for patients to self-isolate if you have this type of conjunctivitis.
Bacterial conjunctivitis; It is a type of conjunctivitis that occurs when bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, but more commonly Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, 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 to some allergens (dust, pollen, etc.). In some people, the immune system becomes active with exposure to allergens. Mast cells in the eyes and respiratory tract are activated and histamine is released. In response to the histamine released, our body may experience discharge, redness, etc.
Conjunctival layer may be damaged by chemical substance or foreign body contact with the eye. In such a case, applying to the nearest health institution will be the best approach.
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?
The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis eye redness, itching, watering. These symptoms may occur in one or both eyes. In addition to these symptoms, sticky burrs that make it difficult to open the eye may also occur.
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 taken until our patients recover. These are;
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Washing hands frequently during the day (minimum 30 seconds)
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If the infection is in one eye, to prevent transmission to the other avoiding touching the eyes and increasing the attention to hand washing
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Suspending make-up during the treatment, paying attention to the personal use of make-up products after recovery
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In patients using glasses, washing with soap and water daily /p>
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