Ready Reference Of CONJUNCTIVITIS

[CilmiSabca]

CONJUNCTIVITIS. (PINKEYE; Inflammation of the conjunctiva, or lining of the eye).
SYMPTOMS:
Depending on cause may include: Blood eyes; tearing; discharge; burning; itching; light sensitivity.    Usually begins in one eye, but may spread to the other.
CAUSE:
Many, including viruses, bacteria, chlamydia, allergens, parasites, fungi, environmental irritants, blocked tear duct and silver nitrate drops at birth.
TRANSMISSION:
For infective organism, eye-hand-eye.
INCUBATION:
Usually brief.
DURATION:
Varies: silver nitrate, 3 to 5 days; virus, 2 days to 3 weeks (can become chronic); bacteria, about 2 weeks; others, untill allergen, irritant, or duct blockage is removed.
CALL THE DOCTOR to confirm diagnosis; CALL AGAIN IF CONDITION WORSENS OR DOES NOT START TO IMPROVE.
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TREATMENT:
Eye soaks; separate bed linens and towels to prevent spread of infection; elimination of irritants, such as tobacco smoke, when possible; drops or ointment prescribed for bacterial and herpes infections, possibly for viral conjunctivitis (to prevent secondary infection), and to relieve discomfort of allergic reaction.
PREVENTION:
Good hygiene (separate towels when family member is infected); avoidance of allergens and other irritants.
RECURRENCE:
Some people are more likely to have recurrences.
COMPLICATIONS:
Blindness (rare, except with gonorrheal infection); chronic eye inflammation; eye damage from repeated attacks.
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Your eyes means more than any parts of your body. Keep your eyes clean and safe.