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Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin and delicate mucous membrane lining the internal surface of the eyelids and the front part of the eyeball. This condition can be caused by various factors, each requiring a different treatment approach.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by several triggers, resulting in different types of the condition, each with its unique set of symptoms. The primary forms of conjunctivitis include allergic, spring, viral, and bacterial conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by hypersensitivity to materials, drugs, contact lenses, pollen, grasses, and dust. Symptoms include photophobia (light sensitivity), hyperemia (excess blood in the vessels), abundant tearing, presence of follicles, and itching.
Spring conjunctivitis is a seasonal form of allergic conjunctivitis triggered by allergies to pollen and grasses. It shares the same symptoms as allergic conjunctivitis and is often treated with the same types of eye drops.
Viral conjunctivitis is an infection borne from viruses. Symptoms include eye redness, burning in the eyes, ache, marked photophobia, swollen preauricular and submandibular lymph nodes, hyperemia, abundant tearing, and watery secretion.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection supported by bacteria. Symptoms include edema (swelling) of the eyelids, hyperemia, not particularly abundant tearing, itching, burning, and yellowish, thick, and purulent tear secretion.
Eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis are formulated with antihistamines, decongestants, and cortisone. These ingredients help control symptoms and improve the patient's clinical condition.
Antihistamine eye drops work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical mediator involved in allergic and inflammatory phenomena. This action helps prevent or relieve symptoms of the allergic reaction.
Decongestant eye drops work by inducing a narrowing of the blood vessels of the conjunctiva, relieving symptoms such as tearing, redness, and swelling.
Corticosteroid eye drops are often prescribed as a supportive treatment to antihistamine therapy. They provide a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, alleviating symptoms such as swelling and redness.
Eye drops specifically formulated for bacterial conjunctivitis typically contain antibiotic agents that are crucial for eradicating the bacteria causing the infection. These antibiotics target the bacteria, effectively killing them and inhibiting their ability to replicate, thereby curbing the spread of the infection.
In addition to antibiotics, it's common to integrate supportive treatments to enhance patient comfort and accelerate recovery. These may include topical analgesics, which help relieve the pain associated with the condition, and anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling and irritation.
The treatment for viral conjunctivitis consists of the topical application of antiviral and anti-inflammatory eye drops, even though there are no antiviral eye drops proven effective against it. Anyway, the symptoms of viral conjunctivitis can sometimes be so mild that they regress spontaneously, and specific eye drops may not always be prescribed.
For the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis, healthcare professionals often choose between prescribing antibiotic eye drops or ophthalmic ointments. The choice depends on the severity and specific needs of the condition.
These are generally preferred for daytime use as they are less likely to cause vision impairment. Eye drops disperse quickly over the conjunctiva and provide relief without the blurriness associated with ointments, allowing for better vision during activities.
These are typically recommended when prolonged contact of the medication with the infection site is necessary. Ointments have a thicker consistency compared to eye drops, which allows the active ingredients to stay in contact with the conjunctiva—the membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids—for extended periods. This prolonged exposure can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Due to the potential for transient vision blurring, ointments are often advised for nighttime use.