Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Overview of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pink Eye Meaning in Urdu
آنکھوں کی سرخی یا سوزش کی وجہ سے آنکھوں کی سفیدی متاثر ہوتی ہے۔ اس حصے میں موجود خون کی شریانیں جب سوزش کا شکار ہوتی ہیں تو وہ واضح طور پر نظر آنے لگتی ہیں جس سے سفید حصہ سرخ یا گلابی رنگ اختیار کر جاتا ہے۔ آنکھوں کی سرخی کی سب سے بڑی وجہ بیکٹیریا یا وائرسز ہیں۔ اس کے علاوہ الرجی کی وجہ سے بھی آنکھوں کی یہ بیماری لاحق ہو سکتی ہے۔ آنکھوں کی سرخی یا ان کا گلابی پن ایک بیکٹیریل انفیکشن ہے اس لیے یہ ایک متعدی بیماری ہے۔
Conjunctivitis (آشوبِ چَشَم/Aashoob Cahsham) is a condition in which eye conjunctiva is either inflamed or infected. Conjunctiva is a clear membrane that shields the interior of the eyelid and the white part of the eye. In the conjunctiva, there are various tiny blood vessels that become visible after inflammation.
Conjunctiva is usually caused by microbial infection and in newborns by partially opened tear ducts.
Conjunctivitis is an irritating condition but it doesn't affect vision. Irritation can be reduced by prompt treatment. It is a contagious disease, therefore its transmission can be avoided by early diagnosis and treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Some common symptoms of conjunctivitis/pink eye are:
- Pink or red coloration of the eye white
- Burning and itching
- Gritty feeling
- Crust formation during sleep prevents eyes from opening when you wake up
- Teary eyes
Types of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
There are different types of conjunctivitis based on their cause:
Infectious Conjunctivitis
Types of conjunctivitis are caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Infection can be transmitted by the use of contaminated contact lenses. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be linked with respiratory infections. Viruses that can cause this infection include:
- Adenovirus
- Herpes simplex virus
- Varicella-zoster virus
- Coronavirus
Allergic Conjunctivitis:
Allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by an allergen such as pollen. When an allergen enters the body an antibody, immunoglobulin E is produced. IgE stimulates the mast cells in the mucous membrane of the eyes and nasal passageways. These cells produce an inflammatory substance called histamine. Histamine release features signs such as red eyes
- Red/pink eye
- Tearing
- Itching
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
Causes of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Conjunctivitis can be caused by the following factors:
- A chemical splash in the eye
- Allergies
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- A foreign object in the eye
- In newborns, a blocked tear duct
Conjunctivitis Caused by Irritation
If a foreign substance or chemical enters the eye it can cause irritative conjunctivitis. Its symptoms may include:
- Watery Eyes
- Mucous discharge
- Permanent eye damage if the infection is persistent
Risk Factors of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
There are some factors that increase the risks of conjunctivitis, such as:
- Exposure to a certain allergen (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Interaction with a person who has infectious conjunctivitis
- Long-term use of contact lenses
Health-Related Complications of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can lead to some health complications such as vision problems caused by inflammation of the cornea. Proper treatment can reduce complications.
There are some factors that increase the risks of conjunctivitis, such as:
- Exposure to a certain allergen (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Interaction with a person who has infectious conjunctivitis
- Long-term use of contact lenses
Health-Related Complications of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can lead to some health complications such as vision problems caused by inflammation of the cornea. Proper treatment can reduce complications.
Prevention
Following are some of the effective instructions that can help to control the spread of conjunctivitis:
- Practice good personal hygiene
- Do not share washcloths and towels with others
- Wash your hands often
- Keep your eye creams and other eye cosmetics personal
- Make sure to change your pillowcases often
- Do not touch your eyes with your hands often
Diagnosis
Often, the opthalmologist diagnoses conjunctivitis by inquiring about symptoms and medical history.
Culturing: In some rare cases, a liquid sample may be collected for culture. It may be required to assess the risks of bacterial or viral infection.
Treatment of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) | When to Consult a Doctor
The treatment of conjunctivitis depends upon the type of conjunctivitis a person is suffering from.
Home Remedies
Pink eye can be treated by following home remedies such as:
- Use of eye drops or artificial tears
- Cleaning of eyelids with a wet cloth
- Frequent application of warm or cold compresses daily
- Disinfection of eye lenses
- Discard lenses accessories used during infection
- Discard makeup used during infection
Antiviral Medications
These medications are recommended if conjunctivitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Treatment for Allergic Conjunctivitis
In case of allergen-induced conjunctivitis, eye drops are recommended, including
- Antihistamines
- Mast cell stabilizers
Some inflammation-controlling drugs include:
- Decongestants
- Steroids
- Anti-inflammatory drops
If you experience any signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis that are persistent and worrisome seek medical care from an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Doctors to treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Pakistan
- Doctors to treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Lahore
- Doctors to treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Kasur
- Doctors to treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Karachi
- Doctors to treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Islamabad
- Doctors to treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Multan
- Doctors to treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Rawalpindi
- Doctors to treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Peshawar
- Doctors to treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Faisalabad
- Doctors to treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Bahawalpur
- Doctors to treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Abbottabad