Eye Infections - Conjunctivitis

What is an eye infection?

An eye infection is generally known as conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis comes in a variety of forms and causes.

Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria or viruses. Non-infectious conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies or irritation. Conjunctivitis is usually a minor ailment that goes away on its own after 5 to 14 days, depending on the cause.

Main types of conjunctivitis.

There are 4 main types of conjunctivitis inflammation:

Viral Conjunctivitis

• Infection of the eye caused by a virus
• Can be caused by several different viruses, such as adenoviruses
• Very contagious
• Sometimes can result in large outbreaks depending on the virus

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Infection of the eye caused by certain bacteria
• Can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or, less commonly, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Can be spread easily, especially with certain bacteria and in certain settings
• Children with conjunctivitis without fever or behavioural changes can usually continue going to school
• More common in kids than adults
• Observed more frequently from December through April

Allergic Conjunctivitis

• The body’s reaction to an allergen
• Not contagious
• Occurs more frequently among people with other allergic conditions, such as hay fever, asthma, and eczema
• Can occur seasonally when allergens such as pollen counts are high
• Can also occur year-round due to indoor allergens, such as dust mites

Conjunctivitis Caused by Irritants

• Caused by irritation from a foreign body in the eye or contact with smoke, dust, fumes, or chemicals
• Not contagious
• Can occur when contact lenses are worn for longer than recommended or not cleaned properly

Eye infection symptoms include:

• Red irritated eye(s)
• Grittiness and discomfort in the eye(s)
• Sticky mucous/ discharge from the eye(s)
• Light sensitivity
• Redness behind the eyelid
• Swelling of the eyelids, making them appear puffy
• Excessive tears
• You should not have any change in your vision

Conjunctivitis Treatments

Eye infection treatments to try at home:

• Avoiding rubbing the eyes
• Washing your hands regularly with soap and water before touching the eye
• Avoid wearing contact lenses while you have conjunctivitis
• Using separate towels to others to avoid spread
• Avoiding close contact with others during the contagious period (up to approximately 7 days after onset of symptoms)
• Applying a cold compress and/ or refrigerated artificial tears drops to relieve irritation
• Washing the eye with a saline eye bath or cooled, boiled water
• Using sterile eye wipes or cotton wool dipped in cool, boiled water to wipe the eye clean
• Applying antihistamine drops if your conjunctivitis is caused by allergies such as hay fever

How a pharmacist can help with conjunctivitis:

• A pharmacist can provide you with information about medications that may be of us
• They can help you to determine if your conjunctivitis may be contagious or not
• They can also advise the best eye drops, eye ointments & eye wipes to lessen the symptoms

When to contact your GP:

• You have pain in the eye
• You have changes in your vision
• Your symptoms don’t improve after a week
• You keep getting conjunctivitis
• The person with conjunctivitis is less than one month old

Treatment for conjunctivitis that a GP might offer:

• Antibiotic eye drops
• Antibiotic eye ointments
• Antihistamine eye drops
• Steroid eye drops
• Antiviral tablets