Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and contagious eye infections. It is a condition of the conjunctival membrane, a transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eyeball and the eyelid. Infection with this tissue causes the blood vessels to swell and thus become visible. Therefore, the white part of the eye looks red when conjunctivitis occurs.
Although it is a very annoying condition, in most cases it does not imply greater severity or major consequences on the sight. Conjunctivitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, although there may be other causes such as allergy, among others. Conjunctivitis can even occur in babies when the tear duct is not completely closed.
How is conjunctivitis spread?
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious, through contact with a person who has the infection by the discharge from the eye. It can also be spread by contact with surfaces where the discharge has been, such as towels, pillows or any common tissue or surface. Therefore, it is very important not to share this type of material on a regular basis, even less when we are close to a person with conjunctivitis.
In most cases, conjunctivitis is caused by adenoviruses, which are a group of viruses that infect the membranes of the body, such as those of the eyes. However, the infection can be caused by other viruses such as the herpes simplex, chickenpox and other viruses. Even the virus that causes Covid-19, the coronavirus, can also affect the membranes and cause conjunctivitis.
In addition to the infections caused by the various viruses, there are other causes that can cause this eye infection. People with pollen allergies, for example, have an easier time suffering from this type of eye discomfort. Nevertheless, allergic conjunctivitis produces minor symptoms than in the case of virus or bacterial infections. Generally, they can be treated with anti-allergic eye drops, specific for this purpose.
Common symptoms
In the case of conjunctivitis caused by an infection, either by viruses or bacteria, symptoms may be as follows, some or all, it depends on the case.
- Redness in the whites of the eyes, in one or both. Often the infection begins in one eye and soon spreads to the other.
- Feeling of grit In the eyes. This is one of the first symptoms of conjunctivitis, the feeling of grit in your eyes that causes you to constantly scratch and rub your eyes.
- Tearing, with irritation the eye begins to water.
- Itch or burning sensation in the eye.
- Secretion that during the night it accumulates and hardens, causing that when trying to open your eyes it is difficult to do it in a normal way.
When conjunctivitis is caused by an allergy, the symptoms are milder. It generally occurs itching, redness, and tearing. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, it is normal for you to suffer from it with each change of season, so your allergist may prescribe antihistamine drops to reduce the symptoms of allergy in the eyes.
When to go to the doctor
Conjunctivitis as described is in most cases annoying, although harmless. However, it is very important go to the doctor's office so you can assess the situation and start as soon as possible with the appropriate treatment. Considering that conjunctivitis is highly contagious, the sooner you start treating the infection the better.
On the other hand, there are diseases that can cause symptoms similar to those of conjunctivitis, cases in which the consequences can be considerably more serious. For this reason, the best thing is that if you notice that your eyes are sandy, they tear, you feel itchy and you even wake up with the discharge from your eyes, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible.