Conjunctivitis needs early treatment

Donya Betancourt, Pediatrician, Sanur, Bali, drdonya@hotmail.com

Contagious conjunctivitis should be diagnosed and treated early. Many children have conjunctivitis which is an irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the covering that lines the inside of the eyelids and the whites of the eyes.

The three major types of this condition and its causes are:

* Infectious conjunctivitis (most common). It is caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

* Allergic conjunctivitis: Due to airborne pollen or dust or something put into the eye, such as contact lens solutions.

* Chemical conjunctivitis: Many types of chemicals like sprays, perfumes, deodorants, household cleaners, can irritate the conjunctiva and another cause is incompletely opened tear drainage ducts.

The symptoms are feeling as though something is in the eye and you can't get it out. In the morning, your eyes may seem pasted shut by discharge. The whites of your eyes may begin to look pinkish, and you may not see as clearly as before. The eyes may appear red and feel itchy or may be sensitive to light.

The inflammation of conjunctivitis makes it an irritating condition, but there is usually no harm to sight or vision.

Preschool-age children commonly develop both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. In viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, one or both eyes may be affected. Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a watery or mucus discharge.

Bacterial conjunctivitis often produces a thicker, yellow- green discharge, and may be associated with a respiratory infection or with a sore throat. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are associated with colds. They are also common among children and are very contagious.

Adults can be affected as well. The most virulent and contagious type of conjunctivitis, responsible for outbreaks in schools, is called "epidemic keratoconjunctivitis". This type of viral infection can spread through a classroom of children in just a few days where as bacterial conjunctivitis usually does not.

Newborn's eyes are susceptible to bacteria that is normally present in the mother's birth canal. These bacteria cause no symptoms in the mother but in rare cases, some can cause infants to develop a serious form of conjunctivitis known as ophthalmia neonatorum, which must be treated without delay to preserve sight. This is the reason that shortly after birth every newborn's eyes are protected with an antibiotic such as erythromycin ointment or silver nitrate solution to prevent the infection.

Conjunctivitis typically does not require extensive or emergency treatment. Yet because conjunctivitis can be highly contagious, it's important to seek diagnosis and treatment early. Children with conjunctivitis may be excluded from child care or school until after they start treatment. Occasionally conjunctivitis can cause corneal complications in adults and children, making early treatment even more important.

If you have a young infant with recurrent conjunctivitis or persistent eye tearing, it may be necessary to have an eye doctor check for an obstructed tear drainage duct.

The doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops if the infection is bacterial. Viral conjunctivitis typically disappears on its own usually within a week.

If the irritation is allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe one of many different types of eyedrops. These may include antihistamines, decongestants, mast-cell stabilizers, steroids or anti-inflammatory drops.

Good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of conjunctivitis. Keep your hands away from your eyes, wash your hands frequently, do not share towels or handkerchiefs with others.

If your child has an infection or there is an outbreak of conjunctivitis at his or her school or child-care center, try to avoid putting him or her in close contact with other children. Pink eye is common but if you take care to wash your hands and control your child's environment it will cure quickly and easily.