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Bacterial Conjunctivitis What is conjunctivitis? An infection of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that covers both the whites of the eyes and the inner eyelids. This condition if often called 'pink eye.' It can be caused by bacteria, virus or allergies. What are the signs and symptoms? Patients have red, irritated, watery eyes, with a burning or scratchy feeling. There may also be pus or a watery discharge from the eye. How do I prevent the spread of infection? Because pink eye spreads easily, wash hands, clothes, towels, pillowcases, and any other items touched by the infected eye. Wash hands before and after using the medication. Avoid sharing cosmetics. How is this condition treated?
See your eye-care specialist. he or she will usually select an antibiotic to treat this condition. | ||||
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Blepharitis What is blepharitis? An inflammation of the eyelid margins. Chronic blepharitis can be due to poor hygiene, but can also occur in people with dandruff, dry eye or oily skin. This condition can produce bumpy eyelids if contracted in early childhood. Blepharitis can be both non-infectious and infectious. What are the signs and symptoms? Itching, burning, scratchiness, foreign body sensation, excessive tearing, and crusty debris around the eyelashes. Sometimes, blepharitis causes red eye. How is this condition treated? See your eye-care specialist. Blepharitis may not be cured (chronic), but can be controlled. Hand and eye hygiene is key. Gently scrub the eyelids (base of the lashes) with a wet washcloth or compress with warm water. This activity helps to liquefy the oily secretion from eyelids oil glands (meibomian glands). It will help prevent the formation on an inflamed lump (chalazion) in the eyelid. It will also soften and loosen any scales or debris.
Your eye-care specialist might prescribe an antibiotic ointment for use at the base of the lashes, usually at bedtime.
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Chlamydial & Gonococcal Conjunctivitis What is chlamydial conjunctivitis? An infection of the inner lid, which typically affects sexually active teens and young adults. Chlamydia is considered one of the major sexually-transmitted pathogens. Women seem to be more susceptible than men. This infection also affects infants whose mothers have untreated chlamydial conjunctivitis. The incidence of infection seems to be directly related to sexual activity. What are the signs and symptoms? Persistent eye infection (lasting 3 weeks or more) with mucus discharge. Systemically, signs and symptoms may include a history of vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease or urethritis. The main complaint concerning ocular signs and symptoms is an eye infection that has persisted for over three weeks despite treatment with topical antibiotics. What is gonococcal conjunctivitis? Also a sexually-transmitted ocular disease. Even casual interaction with infected individuals has been reported as a cause. Newborn infants can acquire this infection by passing through an infected birth canal. This is a very contagious ocular disease. What are the signs and symptoms? Red eye with foreign body sensation. The eye might be shut with substantial pus discharge. The incubation period is generally two to seven days. How can I prevent the spread of infection? The transmission to the eye can result from hand contact from a site of genital infection to the eye. Infected pregnant mothers can infect the newborn. Avoid sharing cosmetics. How are these conditions treated?
See your eye-care specialist. He or she will usually prescribe an antibiotic. | ||||
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Corneal Ulcer What is a corneal ulcer (bacterial keratitis)? An area of tissue loss on the eye's corneal surface. These ulcers are usually caused by a bacteria, fungus or virus. The most common causes are: abrasion of the cornea with foreign bodies and poor hygiene of contact lenses (especially if worn overnight). What are the signs and symptoms? Symptoms include eye pain, redness, itching and burning, white patch on the cornea, increased tearing, and sensitivity to light. How do I prevent the spread of infection? Early attention by an eye-care specialist may prevent the ulceration and further injury to the cornea. An untreated corneal ulcer can permanently damage the cornea. The ulcer might also break through the eye, spreading the infection and increasing the risk of permanent visual impairment. How is this condition treated?
See your eye-care specialist. He or she will usually prescribe and antibiotic. | ||||
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