Acontagious Infections Cause Conjunctivitis: Dr.Jamil

Eminent Eye Specialist, serving in Isra University Hospital as an Assistant Professor of Eye Department Dr. Syed Jamil Ahmed said that acontagious virus or bacteria cause the infectious form, commonly known as "pink eye," and patient body's allergies to pollen, cosmetics, animals or fabrics often bring on allergic conjunctivitis like irritants air pollution, noxious fumes and chlorine in swimming pools.

HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Oct, 2018 ) :Eminent Eye Specialist, serving in Isra University Hospital as an Assistant Professor of Eye Department Dr. Syed Jamil Ahmed said that acontagious virus or bacteria cause the infectious form, commonly known as "pink eye," and patient body's allergies to pollen, cosmetics, animals or fabrics often bring on allergic conjunctivitis like irritants air pollution, noxious fumes and chlorine in swimming pools.

Talking to APP here on Thursday, he said that the Pus-like or watery discharge around the eyelids indicates an infectious form of the disease, commonly known as "pink eye".

Dr. Jamil informed that the Pink eye is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent layer covering the surface of the inner eyelid and the front of the eye and it affects people of all ages.

About the causes of the pink eye or Conjunctivitis, he said that three main types of conjunctivitis are infectious, allergic and chemical.

He said that certain forms of conjunctivitis can develop into a serious condition that may harm the vision and it is important to have conjunctivitis diagnosed and treated quickly. He said that some common allergens including animal skin, fur and secretions such as saliva, perfumes and cosmetics and eye makeup, skin medicines, air pollution and smoke, which could grip the patients eyes into redness and watery.

Dr. Jamil said that dust from construction material including cement and sand is a major cause of allergic conjunctivitis and the perennial form persists throughout the year and usually triggered by dust mites. He said that in some cases, use of mosquito-repellant liquids used in a closed room throughout the night can cause allergies and puffy eyelids, viral and bacterial infections, added.

About the symptoms of pink eye, Dr. Jamil informed that the eyes are usually itchy and the whites of the eyes look red or pink. A burning feeling may occur and it may be painful, eyelids tend to swell, eyes can water as in allergic conjunctivitis or become 'gluey' as in infective conjunctivitis but is vision is not usually affected, he added.

In severe cases, he said the conjunctiva under the upper eyelids swell and look lumpy adding that the allergic conjunctivitis is irritating and uncomfortable, but it will not hurt patients' eyesight unless very severe and infectious.

About the use of the contact lenses, he said that its not a good idea to use contacts if the patients have conjunctivitis. The patients should use glasses until their eyes feel better.

About the precaution, Dr. Jamil informed that it is a myth if patient think that by staring into a red eye so a patients wearing dark glasses when they have a red eye is enough protection from spreading the conditions. He said that the use of disposable tissues when patients dry the eyes and throw them away after use and this would limit the contamination. He said that the patient should dispose of any antibiotic eye drops after the treatment is over.

He suggested that bathing the eyes with a cloth soaked in cold water soothe the eyes. The patients should seek guidance from specialist and avoid self medication as specialist can prescribe suitable eye drops that reduce inflammation and treat infection (antibiotic). He said that steroid eye drops are rarely needed or used. The steroids are good at reducing inflammation however it should only be used under the supervision of an eye specialist as infection and other causes of conjunctivitis need to be definitely ruled out, he said and added that steroids can make some other eye conditions worse.

He said that Conjunctivitis treatment depends upon the cause and treatment of allergic conjunctivitis is by avoiding the allergen, viral conjunctivitis resists treatment, broad-spectrum antibiotic and eyedropper may prevent secondary infection.

Dr. Jamil said that children, who may forget these precautions, should be kept away fromschool, camp and the swimming pool until the condition is cured and antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis.