Conjunctivitis

Between the whites of the eyes and the inner surface of the eyelids there is a thin layer of cells (membrane), known as conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed or swollen. Conjunctivitis is also known as “Pink eye”. Inflammation or swelling causes in small blood vessels (called as capillaries) of the conjunctiva and they turn into extra prominent, giving the eye a pink or red look. Conjunctivitis is mainly caused because of viral infection. It is one of the most frequent occurring eye problem and also treatable eye infections. It occurs in both children and adults equally. Sometime it also caused because of bacterial infection or allergies. This disorder is rare in newborns and three to four week old infants.

There are three different types of conjunctivitis:

Irritant Conjunctivitis

In this case something has irritated the eye area. That area could be an eyelash that got stuck after swimming in a pool or the eyes can become painful. Sometime people impulsively rub those painful or sore eyes, which unluckily tend to irritate them more.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

This type of conjunctivitis happens when eye get contacted with any allergen, like pollen, dust mites or animal fur. Due to allergen eyes react excessively and that causes irritation and inflammation

Infective or bacterial Conjunctivitis

A virus or bacteria cause this type of conjunctivitis. Sexually transmitted infections, like Chlamydia can also cause conjunctivitis, but it happens rarely. A bacterial or viral infection usually makes the eyes pink or red and watery. In this case there will be gluey covering on the eyelashes. Children and aged people tend to get conjunctivitis more than others.