Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis results in red, sticky, swollen and watery eyes. It can be triggered by viruses, bacteria, or allergies as well as dry eyes or dust.

Generally, conjunctivitis is unpleasant but relatively harmless, and it disappears on its own after 10 to 14 days. However, there are diseases that have similar symptoms to conjunctivitis that can be dangerous for the eye and visual capacity. Conjunctivitis can also affect the cornea, especially in people who wear contact lenses. Of course, if your eyes “can no longer see”, a Visilab optician will be happy to help you (as a precaution). Consult your GP or ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

If conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria or viruses, strict hygiene should be observed. Do not rub swollen, itchy or burning eyes. If you do, the bacteria or viruses responsible for the problem will stick to your hands and spread to other members of the family. Frequent, thorough hand washing is essential, and sharing towels during infection should be avoided. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually affects children and babies rather than adults. The same is true of what is known as swimming pool conjunctivitis. Yellowish pus that makes the eyes stick together is one of the characteristics of a bacterial infection. Secretions caused by a virus are quite watery and mucous.

Viral conjunctivitis is a particularly common form of conjunctivitis that usually disappears without treatment, unless it is triggered by adenoviruses. Conjunctivitis affecting the cornea and visual acuity of patients may occur alongside classic flu symptoms, such as a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. This form of conjunctivitis is called “keratoconjunctivitis”. In this case, consult a doctor immediately!

Viral conjunctivitis is particularly insidious, as symptoms only appear a few days after infection. Just a sneeze or a handshake is enough to transmit viruses. If you suffer from herpes, you should know that herpes viruses can cause conjunctivitis and are very dangerous for your eyes and eyesight. Do not forget to tell your doctor!

Everyone recognises the symptoms of classic hay fever: sneezing and a runny nose, with watery and tingling eyes. Even if in this situation you will not have your eyelid stuck shut with pus, allergic conjunctivitis or rhinoconjunctivitis can be very annoying at work or during your free time. The usual rules for allergies apply: avoid the source of the allergy (in this case, nature), although this is easier said than done. Other measures include not taking into the bedroom clothes covered in pollen that you have worn during the day, washing your hair every night before going to bed, and using antihistamine medication or eye drops.

Dirt or dust may get under the contact lens, and rubbing may occur. Contact lens wearers are at high risk of conjunctivitis. Similarly, old, damaged lenses can irritate the eye as well as bacteria that have found a comfortable location under the lens. Careless use of contact lenses can lead to injury or even perforation of the conjunctiva. Read our tips on wearing and looking after your contact lenses.

Careful hygiene and cleaning of contact lenses and regular check-ups with your Visilab optician or your ophthalmologist are vital. An important rule to follow: if you suspect conjunctivitis or, in general, your eyes are irritated, remove your contact lenses immediately and put on glasses instead!