Conjunctivitis is an infection of the eye that leads to redness and watery mucous discharge. It usually starts unilaterally and moves to the other eye after four to eight weeks. After about two weeks, the inflammation gradually subsides. A viral infection is highly contagious and must be treated.

Reasons.
The conjunctiva is a moist, smooth, transparent layer of the mucous membrane that allows the eyeball to slide into the socket. It is a unique protective mechanism for the eyes, along with eyelids and tears.

The causing virus is called an adenovirus, and is highly contagious. Thus, he can get not only by a direct route, but also through an infected hand, towel, and objects. Since viruses are infectious, the disease is "every ophthalmologist's nightmare." In practice, but, of course, by the patient himself, the strictest sanitary rules must be observed.

Viruses cause inflammation, and the conjunctiva reacts to it with increased vascular filling. Numerous loops of blood vessels are visible, and the eye appears red.

Symptoms.
The first sign of viral conjunctivitis is redness of the eye. This is quickly followed by significant swelling of the conjunctiva and discharge, which are watery at the beginning, and then mucous. The eyes look very "glassy", they itch, and convey a strong feeling of a foreign body.

Another sign of infection with the virus is swollen lymph nodes. Usually, viruses also infect other areas of the body, so common flu-like complaints may occur.

Course and complications.
If the adenovirus infection is limited to the conjunctiva, it heals on its own after one to three weeks. Pathogens are harmless to the body's immune system. However, the patient is not immune from a new disease.

If the cornea is affected, vision problems usually occur, and the discomfort can last for several months. During healing, so-called nummules form in the cornea. These are round deposits that appear scattered throughout the cornea. They can lead to a strong glare and rather worsen visual acuity. In the worst case, it may take several months before the eyes fully recover.

As with all viral infections, the pathogen can not even be treated, the doctor treats the symptoms.

Diseases with similar symptoms.
Only more accurate studies can distinguish conjunctivitis from viruses caused by bacteria or allergies. Unclear symptoms, such as "red eyes" and burning sensation, should be treated independently for no more than two days. The doctor can establish an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Conjunctivitis can also occur as part of an infection with herpes viruses. In this case, a special active ingredient can be used for treatment.

Also, conjunctivitis often occurs in connection with so-called "Teething diseases" such as measles, mumps and rubella.

Some types of adenoviruses cause fever. In this particular clinical picture, both the conjunctiva and the cornea are affected. In addition, there are general signs of infection, and mainly the neck and throat areas become inflamed.

Treatment.
In conjunctivitis, treatment depends on the underlying causes. As a rule, conjunctivitis also heals if left untreated for 10 days. Eye drops can slightly shorten the healing process in some cases, however, before treatment, an ophthalmologist should make sure what caused conjunctivitis. Because eye drops only help with bacterial infections.

Antibiotic eye drops.
Conjunctivitis caused by viruses disappears on its own without treatment after a few days. As a pathogen, so-called chlamydia may also be responsible for conjunctivitis. Again, treatment with specific antibiotics for eye drops or ointments can help. In chlamydia, it is necessary to further clarify whether there is a genital infection at the same time.

Even if conjunctivitis heals without treatment, it is important to consult a doctor with appropriate complaints to rule out other serious eye diseases such as corneal herpes.

Is conjunctivitis contagious?
Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are contagious. An unpleasant itching may occur, which many patients encounter when rubbing their eyes. As a result, there is a risk of passing pathogens to other people through their hands. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to hygiene in conjunctivitis. https://mostbet-games.net/cs/