This common eye problem is typically easily treated and, with a few simple precautions, can often be avoided.

Anyone can get conjunctivitis, but nursery and school children, students and teachers are particularly at risk for the contagious types, due to their close proximity with others in the classroom.

What is conjunctivitis?

It is an inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva).

Although the conjunctiva is transparent, it contains blood vessels that overlay the sclera of the eye.

Anything that triggers inflammation will cause these conjunctival blood vessels to dilate. This is what causes red, bloodshot eyes.

What causes conjunctivitis?

The primary types of conjunctivitis, based on cause, are:

• Viral. Caused by a virus, like the common cold. This type is very contagious, but usually will clear up on its own within several days without medical treatment.
• Bacterial. Caused by bacteria, this type of conjunctivitis can cause serious damage to the eye if left untreated.
• Allergic. Caused by eye irritants such as pollen and dust  among susceptible individuals. Allergic conjunctivitis may be seasonal (pollen) or flare up year-round (dust,  pet hair).

Signs and Symptoms

• Viral. Watery, itchy eyes; sensitivity to light. One or both eyes can be affected. Highly contagious; can be spread by coughing and sneezing.
• Bacterial. A sticky, yellow or greenish-yellow eye discharge in the corner of the eye. In some cases, this discharge can be severe enough to cause the eyelids to be stuck together when you wake up. One or both eyes can be affected. Contagious (usually by direct contact with infected hands or items that have touched the eye).
• Allergic. Watery, burning, itchy eyes; often accompanied by stuffiness and a runny nose, and light sensitivity. Both eyes are affected. Not contagious.

Treatment 

• Viral. In most cases, viral conjunctivitis will run its course over a period of several days and no medical treatment is required or indicated.
• Bacterial. Your GP will typically prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.
• Allergic. Allergy medications often can help prevent or shorten bouts of allergic conjunctivitis. Sometimes these medications must be started before allergy season or allergy flare-ups begin. Ask your doctor for details.

Often it can be difficult to tell the type of conjunctivitis you have by symptoms alone (or if some other eye problems or underlying health conditions are causing your symptoms).

Conditions associated with conjunctivitis include other eye infections, dry eyes and blepharitis. Also, bacterial conjunctivitis sometimes can lead to very serious eye problems such as a corneal ulcer, potentially causing permanent vision loss.

For these reasons, anytime you develop red, irritated eyes, you should seek medical advice.

If you wear contact lenses, remove your lenses and wear your glasses until the sypmtoms have cleared. Also, discard any eye make up used leading up to the infection.

Prevention

Here are 10 simple precautions you can take to significantly reduce your risk of getting conjunctivitis:

1. Never share personal items such as flannels, hand towels or tissues.
2. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes.
3. Never share your coloured contact lenses or special effect contacts with friends.
4. Wash your hands frequently, especially when spending time at school or in other public places.
5. Use a hand sanitiser regularly.
6. Frequently clean surfaces such as countertops, taps and shared phones with an appropriate antiseptic cleaner.
7. If you know you suffer from seasonal allergies, ask your doctor what can be done to minimize your symptoms before they begin.
8. If you wear contacts, be sure to follow your optometrist’s instructions for lens care and replacement, and use contact lens solutions properly or consider switching to daily disposable contacts.
9. When swimming, wear swim goggles to protect yourself from bacteria and other microorganisms in the water that can cause conjunctivitis.
10. Before showering, remove your contact lenses to avoid trapping bacteria between your eyes and the lenses.

 
Wash your hands often, to keep viral Conjunctivitis from spreading.

If your child is affected, tell his or her teacher about the infection so extra steps can be taken to sanitise the classroom. Also, keep your child home until the contagious stage has passed.

Conjunctivitis can be a symptom of many different types of eye problems — some that can be quite serious — make sure you consult with your optician.

source : All about vision