Conjunctivitis: What Is It, Its Symptoms, Causes, and How Does It Resolve?

The transparent tissue covering the white part of the eye, known as the sclera, and the inner surface of the eyelids is called the conjunctiva. Infections that can occur in the conjunctival layer for various reasons are referred to as conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, one of the most common eye diseases seen in both children and adults, is colloquially known as red or pink eye disease. The redness in the eyes caused by infection is the reason for the eyes becoming pink or red. Untreated conjunctivitis can worsen and lead to permanent damage to the eyes. Therefore, if there are issues such as redness or itching in the eyes, one should consult an eye doctor for examination.

The transparent tissue covering the white part of the eye, known as the sclera, and the inner surface of the eyelids is called the conjunctiva. Infections that can occur in the conjunctival layer for various reasons are referred to as conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, one of the most common eye diseases seen in both children and adults, is colloquially known as red or pink eye disease. The redness in the eyes caused by infection is the reason for the eyes becoming pink or red. Untreated conjunctivitis can worsen and lead to permanent damage to the eyes. Therefore, if there are issues such as redness or itching in the eyes, one should consult an eye doctor for examination.

What Is Conjunctivitis?

The inflammation of the conjunctiva, which covers the sclera (the white part of the eye) and the inner part of the eyelid, is referred to as conjunctivitis. Normally, the capillaries within the conjunctiva become more prominent and visible during conjunctivitis. This is why redness or pinkness can be observed in the white part of the eyes and the inside of the eyelids. The most common causes of conjunctivitis are bacterial or viral infections, as well as allergic reactions. Blockage of the tear duct or the incomplete opening of the duct in newborns can also lead to the development of conjunctivitis. While it may cause discomfort such as sensitivity, itching, and burning in the eyes, conjunctivitis generally does not lead to any vision problems unless it progresses significantly. However, if left untreated, it can worsen and lead to more serious issues. Conjunctivitis affecting one or both eyes can be contagious if it is caused by an infection.

What Are the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

As indicated by its colloquial names "pink eye" or "red eye disease," the most prominent symptom of conjunctivitis is eye redness. This redness can be present in one eye or both eyes. In allergic conjunctivitis, usually both eyes are affected. In cases caused by infectious agents, the infection may begin in one eye and remain localized or spread to the other eye over time. Paying attention to hygiene and undergoing an examination for treatment can reduce the likelihood of transmission. The following symptoms in the eyes may indicate conjunctivitis:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Itching or burning sensation in the eye
• Sensitivity of the eye to light or blinking
• Swelling of the eyelids
• A sandy or gritty feeling in the eyes
• Discharge that accumulates overnight and causes difficulty in opening the eye in the morning
• Excessive crusting in the eyes due to discharge

What Symptoms May Accompany Conjunctivitis?

In some cases, particularly in individuals with allergy issues, redness and itching in the eyes may be simple reactions that heal within a short time. Many patients with a prior diagnosis are prescribed allergy-preventive eye drops. If there is no improvement in symptoms with their use, the likelihood of the problem being infection-related is high. Furthermore, there are different and more serious eye diseases that can cause pain, sensitivity, or a stinging sensation in the eyes. For example, trauma from external factors to the eyes may occur. Some symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:

• A stinging and painful sensation resembling a foreign body in the eye
• Yellow or greenish eye discharge
• Severe pain in the eyes
• Blurred vision or vision loss
• Difficulty looking at light

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, resulting from the inflammation of the conjunctival layer, can arise from many different causes. Essentially, the inflammation of the blood vessels on the layer leads to eye redness as they enlarge and become more visible. Possible causes include:

• Infections caused by bacteria and viruses
• Allergies to any agents such as pollen, dust, or mold (hay fever)
• Irritation from any chemical substance that gets into or splashes into the eye
• The tear duct not being fully opened in newborns
• Irritation caused by a foreign object entering the eye
• Narrowing and blockage in the tear duct
• Use of contact lenses, use of solutions with inappropriate content, or exceeding the recommended usage time of contact lenses
• Upper respiratory infections
• Exposure to cigarette smoke, polluted air, or wind
• Use of unclean swimming pools
• Touching the eyes with dirty hands

How Is Conjunctivitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis in infants, children, or adults can easily be made through an eye examination conducted by an eye doctor. The symptoms experienced by the patient and their medical history are considered to determine the cause of conjunctivitis. Allergy tests or visual acuity tests to check for vision loss due to conjunctivitis are among the recommended tests. If an infectious cause is suspected, samples from eye secretions may be taken with a cotton swab and sent for analysis to identify the specific type of bacteria or virus causing the inflammation. Additionally, although rare, the doctor may request different diagnostic tests. Treatment for conjunctivitis is initiated based on the findings obtained from the examination and tests.

Treatment of Conjunctivitis

The approach to treating conjunctivitis is related to the underlying cause of the condition. If a bacterial infection is present, treatment is usually administered with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Similarly, for viral infections, antiviral eye drops and ointments are used. The use of artificial tears is also beneficial. With treatment, bacterial infections are expected to improve within a week, while viral infections usually heal in less than two weeks. If there is no improvement after this period, it is necessary to consult the doctor again. In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, the use of decongestant or steroid-containing eye drops is typically recommended. Regular use of these medications can alleviate reactions in the eye, promoting the healing of conjunctivitis. Additionally, short-term applications of cold compresses may be preferred. The patient should also try to avoid allergens, which can help accelerate recovery. Rarely, certain sexually transmitted diseases may cause conjunctivitis if genital fluids come into contact with the hands and subsequently to the eyes. In such cases, treatment can also be performed using antibiotic or antiviral medications.

How to Prevent Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is a disease that can easily spread from person to person or from one eye to the other. Additionally, neglecting hand hygiene, touching the eyes with dirty hands, or rubbing or scratching the eyes can lead to infections in conjunctivitis. Recurring conjunctivitis can reappear if not properly addressed. Frequent recurrence of these infections may lead to permanent damage to the eyes. Therefore, various measures should be taken to prevent conjunctivitis. Precautions that can be taken to protect against conjunctivitis include:

• Washing hands frequently throughout the day and avoiding touching the eyes with dirty hands.
• Not inserting or removing contact lenses with dirty hands and using contact lenses and lens solutions according to their usage guidelines, duration, and hygiene rules.
• Removing contact lenses while bathing or showering.
• Wearing swimming goggles when entering swimming pools.
• Not sharing towels, makeup products, or eye creams with others.
• Regularly disinfecting items that come into frequent contact with hands, such as cell phones, keyboards, and mice.
• Covering the mouth with a tissue while sneezing or coughing and avoiding touching the eyes before washing hands.
• Individuals with allergic eyes should avoid known allergens and refrain from using unknown and allergy-inducing makeup products.

If you are experiencing issues such as itching, redness, or discharge in your eyes, it is advisable to consult an eye doctor for an examination. If diagnosed with conjunctivitis or another eye disease, treatment can help protect your eye health.