Red Eye Issues: Essential Facts to Remember

Inflamed conjunctiva: Essential information to grasp

Hyperemic conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is a common eye condition characterised by the redness of the conjunctiva - the clear membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. This article aims to provide an overview of the various causes, symptoms, and treatments associated with HC.

HC can be caused by a range of factors, including allergies, infections, chemical irritants, and underlying health conditions. Allergic HC is a common occurrence, with allergic conjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis being the main types. Allergens can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva.

Infections, such as bacterial conjunctivitis, ophthalmia neonatorum, and viral conjunctivitis, can also cause HC. Ophthalmia neonatorum, a particularly severe form of conjunctivitis that occurs in newborns, requires immediate antibiotic treatment to prevent permanent eye damage. Infections can spread quickly, so it is essential to practice good hygiene to prevent their spread.

Chemical irritants, such as air pollution and chlorine, can also cause HC. Exposure to such irritants can lead to redness, itching, and discomfort. In such cases, flushing the eyes with saline for several minutes is the standard treatment.

HC can also be a symptom of certain underlying conditions, such as vitamin A deficiency, dry eye syndrome, immune-related disorders, and congenital metabolic syndromes. It is essential to consult a doctor if you suspect that HC may be a symptom of an underlying condition.

The treatment for HC depends on its underlying cause. For bacterial infectious HC, antibiotic eye drops or ointments are typically prescribed. For allergic HC, treatment primarily involves avoiding exposure to the allergen and may also include using cool compresses, artificial tears, antihistamines, and prescription medications. In severe cases of viral or bacterial infectious HC, prescription topical steroid drops may be used to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Individuals who have bacterial conjunctivitis and continue to wear contact lenses are at increased risk of developing bacterial keratitis (BK), which can lead to rapid vision loss. It is advisable to avoid wearing contact lenses during an active infection.

It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience severe, persistent, or worsening eye redness, increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision that does not improve after wiping discharge from the affected eye, bacterial HC that does not improve after 24 hours of starting antibiotic treatment, or have an underlying health condition that weakens your immune system.

To prevent the spread of viral and bacterial HC, individuals should avoid touching the eyes, wash hands thoroughly before touching the eyes, avoid sharing eye makeup or cosmetic tools, replace eye makeup after an infection, avoid wearing contact lenses during an active infection, and avoid using another person's contact lenses or topical eye treatments.

In conclusion, HC is a common eye condition that can be caused by various factors. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, individuals can take appropriate steps to prevent its occurrence and seek timely medical attention when necessary.