Various types of conjunctivitis

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 1:15 pm Post in Eye Diseases

There are various types of conjunctivitis, all of which involve inflammation of the conjunctiva on the sclera.

Many types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae may lead to bacterial conjunctivitis, which is the most common type. These bacteria can be spread through human contact, contaminated surface, sinus and ear infection. Besides common symptoms such as pink eye, bacterial conjunctivitis usually produces a thick discharge or pus. Antibiotics are usually used to treat bacteria conjunctivitis.

Unlike bacteria conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious by the spread of airborne viruses through sneezing and coughing. Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis include watery discharge, swelling surface and itchy eyes. This type of conjunctivitis can not be cured with antibiotics, eye drops and ointments. Eye drops can only relieve its symptoms. After three to five days that are the worst, viral conjunctivitis will go away gradually on its own. Neonatal conjunctivitis is also a form of bacteria conjunctivitis, which relates to sexually transmitted diseases.

A sexually transmitted chlamydial infection on pregnant women may lead to neonatal conjunctivitis on their newborn infants. Those sexually transmitted diseases may result from herpes simple virus type 1 and 2. In order to eliminate potential eye infections, an antibiotic ointment is usually applied to newborn babies.

Allergens such as pollen, animal dander and dust mites can lead to allergic conjunctivitis, which always causes itchy eyes. The most effective way is avoiding those allergens. Once diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis, you can buy special eye drops from both stores and your ECP to control allergic reactions.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis is particular that it is mostly found on people wearing contact lenses. Prosthetics, stitches and improper immune responses can also lead to this type of conjunctivitis. Its symptoms contain itching, a heavy discharge, tearing, red bumps and so on. Patients are always asked to stop wearing contacts or trying another type of contacts. Disposable contact lenses involve less risk. Smoke, diesel exhaust, perfumes and certain chemicals may lead to non-infectious conjunctivitis.