CONJUNCTIVITIS OR ALSO KNOWN AS RED EYE IS THE MOST COMMON INFLAMMATORY OUTER SCLERA OF THE EYE AND THE INNER SURFACE OF THE LIDS (CONJUNCTIVA). IT MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT OF BACTERIA, VIRUS OR ALLERGY.
As conjunctivitis highest risk of portability is considered viral conjunctivitis that is caused by adenovirus. Other viruses that can cause conjunctival inflammation herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), picornavirus, poxvirus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Viral conjunctivitis is highly infectious, usually 10-12 days after the onset of inflammation and is easily spread through sneezing and coughing, and also can occur in measles, flu or colds.
The most common signs and symptoms of viral conjunctivitis are:
-Itchy eyes;
-Tears;
-Redness;
-Discharge from the eyes
-Hypersensitivity to light.
How to treat it
Overall, the diagnosis of viral conjunctivitis is based on the clinical picture. Laboratory tests are not usually required, but they can be very useful in certain cases, especially when there is danger of an epidemic of such inflammation.
Viral conjunctivitis unlike other types of red eyes are not treated with antibiotics or drops, but is self-limiting – infection usually resolves spontaneously within 2 to 4 weeks. However, to reduce symptoms and to facilitate everyday life will prescribe: topical vasoconstrictor to clear their eye, decongestants to reduce the swelling surface and antihistamines to reduce occasional itchy eyes. If you are exposed at risk factors that can lead to bacterial infection, then you can use topical antibiotics.
Ophthalmologist who performed the exam will give you a treatment that will help to reduce infection and its symptoms.
Prevention of transmission of viral conjunctivitis is important!
The best way to prevent this type of conjunctivitis thoroughly washing their hands as much as possible to avoid touching your eyes, avoid shared use of towels, bed linen and cosmetics. If you have been infected, you should not go to school or work and have to stay at home until the infection is gone. Those who wear contact lenses should stop using them until they their symptoms disappear. Once the infection is gone it’s recommended to get new contact lenses because you can re-transmit conjunctivitis from lenses of the eyes.