DISEASES OF CONJUNCTIVA
Definition Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is a common eye infection that affects the conjunctiva, a thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.
Types of Conjunctivitis
- Viral Conjunctivitis: The most common cause of conjunctivitis, usually caused by adenovirus.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Caused by an allergic reaction to substances like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
- Irritant Conjunctivitis: Caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or other irritants.
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: Caused by contact lens wear.
- Vernal Conjunctivitis: A seasonal allergic condition, more common in children and young adults.
- Pneumococcal Conjunctivitis: Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Causes of Conjunctivitis
- Viral Conjunctivitis: Spread through direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Spread through direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces, or through contaminated contact lenses.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
Clinical Features of Conjunctivitis
- Viral Conjunctivitis: Redness, itching, burning sensation, eye discharge, and crusting on the eyelids.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Redness, itching, burning sensation, eye discharge, and crusting on the eyelids. The discharge is usually yellow or green.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Itching, redness, burning sensation, and tearing. The discharge is usually clear.
- Irritant Conjunctivitis: Redness, itching, burning sensation, and tearing.
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: Redness, itching, and discomfort, with the formation of large papillae on the underside of the upper eyelid.
- Vernal Conjunctivitis: Redness, itching, and tearing, with a characteristic "cobblestone" appearance of the conjunctiva.
- Pneumococcal Conjunctivitis: Redness, itching, burning sensation, and eye discharge, with a high risk of complications.
Investigations for Conjunctivitis
- Slit-lamp examination: To assess the conjunctiva and cornea.
- Conjunctival scrapings: To collect a sample for microbiological examination.
- Allergy testing: To determine the presence of allergies.
Complications of Conjunctivitis
- Vision loss: If left untreated, conjunctivitis can lead to vision loss.
- Corneal ulcers: A bacterial infection of the cornea.
- Glaucoma: An increase in eye pressure.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea.
Management of Conjunctivitis
- Viral Conjunctivitis: Symptomatic treatment with lubricating drops and antiviral medication (for severe cases).
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Antihistamine eye drops, corticosteroid eye drops (for severe cases), and avoidance of allergens.
- Irritant Conjunctivitis: Irrigating the eyes with saline solution, and avoiding exposure to the irritant.
Homoeopathic Management of Conjunctival Diseases
- Aconitum napellus: For acute conjunctivitis with redness and swelling.
- Apis mellifica: For conjunctivitis with itching and stinging sensation.
- Argentum nitricum: For conjunctivitis with photophobia and sensitivity to light.
- Euphrasia officinalis: For conjunctivitis with tearing and redness.
- Graphites: For conjunctivitis with crusting and sticking sensation.
- Hydrocortisone: For conjunctivitis with inflammation and redness.
- Kali bichromicum: For conjunctivitis with discharge and crusting.
- Natrum muriaticum: For conjunctivitis with redness and swelling.
- Pulsatilla: For conjunctivitis with itching and burning sensation.
- Sulfur: For conjunctivitis with yellow discharge and crusting.
Important Points
- Pathology: Conjunctivitis is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, which can be caused by viral, bacterial, allergic, or irritant factors.
- Types: Viral, bacterial, allergic, irritant, giant papillary, vernal, and pneumococcal conjunctivitis.
- Clinical Features: Redness, itching, burning sensation, eye discharge, and crusting on the eyelids.
- Investigations: Slit-lamp examination, conjunctival scrapings, and allergy testing.
- Complications: Vision loss, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, and uveitis.
- Management: Symptomatic treatment, antibiotic eye drops or ointment, antihistamine eye drops, and avoidance of allergens.