The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane of the eye that covers the eyeball and lines the inner layer of the eyelids. It is this structure that moisturizes and protects the organs of vision from dust, sand and microorganisms, taking the blow. That is why diseases of the conjunctiva - conjunctivitis - are the most common in the practice of ophthalmologists.
Unfortunately, in the initial stages, people do not rush to see a specialist, trying to relieve the redness on their own. This is absolutely not worth doing, because the disease can be contagious and fraught with complications. What are the consequences of self-medication of conjunctivitis, and how to treat it correctly?
Conjunctivitis - what is it and why is it dangerous?
Conjunctivitis is a disease that is accompanied by redness of the eyes, burning, itching, and watery eyes. There are several types of conjunctivitis, each of which requires its own treatment and can lead to serious complications if it is not treated.
Viral
You should suspect it if the general symptoms include a reaction to bright light, blurred vision, or discharge from the eyes that gets worse over time. There may be pain in the ear area, the appearance of tubercles (lymph nodes) near the ears and on the neck.
This type of conjunctivitis is dangerous because it is contagious, can spread to the eyelids (blepharitis), cornea (keratitis), and leads to a sharp drop in visual acuity.
Bacterial (purulent)
The symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis are similar to the infectious form. Redness occurs sharply, the eyes fester. The eyelids swell, stick together and become crusty, and thread-like mucus forms in the lower fornix.
In this case, it is very important to maintain hygiene, otherwise the inflammatory process will spread to the cornea. Pus can also accumulate in the anterior chamber of the eye (hypopyon).
Fungal
Fungal conjunctivitis is caused by about 50 species of fungi. It is accompanied by ulceration of the conjunctiva, the formation of a greenish coating and films. Discharge from the eyes is often absent or minor. The later the fungus is discovered, the more difficult it is to treat. And attempts to cope with it on your own can even lead to the death of the eye.
Important: viral, fungal and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious. And if left untreated, they become chronic.
Allergic
This will be indicated by swelling of the eyelids and itching. Moreover, the more the patient rubs his eyes, trying to get rid of discomfort, the more pronounced the symptoms appear.
Often this type of conjunctivitis occurs due to an allergy to pollen (hay fever) or contact lenses. You cannot treat it yourself; this can provoke an even worse allergic reaction.
Traumatic and chemical
These types of conjunctivitis are associated with exposure to external factors on the eyes. In case of traumatic injury, it is a foreign body entering the eye. Accompanied by pain, pressing, stabbing sensations, a feeling of fullness and sand in the eye.
As a rule, inflammation of the conjunctiva occurs in one eye, and often the patient guesses how he received the injury. Do not try to remove the foreign body yourself! See a doctor immediately!
Chemical conjunctivitis is associated with substances that contain acids and alkalis getting into the eye. These components cause a burn, which leads to inflammation of the mucous membrane. An eye burn is an ophthalmological emergency and can lead to low vision.
"Tobrex", "Tobropt"
Drops affect not only bacteria, but also some fungi. Their active base is tobramycin, which is a strong antibiotic and can cope with most known pathogens of infectious diseases. The active substances of the drug disrupt the integrity of membranes in microbial cells and suppress protein synthesis in them. Among the disadvantages of these drops, it can be noted that they only work when used systematically. Once the course of treatment is stopped, the surviving bacteria begin to multiply again.
Treatment of conjunctivitis: how can an ophthalmologist help?
The doctor chooses a treatment strategy depending on the type of conjunctivitis. The disease is treated with medications, rinses and physiotherapy.
Medicines
In case of allergic conjunctivitis, it is necessary to establish the cause and stop contact with the allergen. At the same time, anti-allergy and decongestant drugs, drops to relieve inflammation, vitamins and other general health-improving agents are prescribed.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotics. They are simultaneously prescribed internally and externally, the course is usually 7-14 days. The infectious type is treated with antiviral, immunostimulating and bactericidal drugs of local (drops, ointments, gels) or general action.
Drug therapy for eye fungi is complex and includes local and general antifungal and immunostrengthening agents. In special cases, IVs are placed.
For injuries or burns, the doctor will prescribe wound-healing, decongestant, antimicrobial agents in the form of drops, sprays, etc. For severe cases of any type of conjunctivitis, a course of injections may be prescribed.
Washing
With conjunctivitis, it is extremely important to maintain good hygiene, so the course of treatment includes frequent eye rinsing. For this purpose, solutions, herbal decoctions with a disinfecting effect, or simply clean water are prescribed.
To carry out the procedure, there are special containers (small oval-shaped glasses) and devices (syringes, bulbs, etc.).
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for conjunctivitis involves the administration of drugs using physical methods - current (electrophoresis), laser (laser phoresis), magnet (magnetophoresis), ultrasound (phonophoresis), etc.
Use solutions with anti-allergenic, anti-edematous, antiseptic, wound-healing, softening, anti-inflammatory effects.
"Floxal"
The active component in the drug is ofloxacin, a substance that has a pronounced effect against microbial activity. It is noticeably effective even in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by microorganisms resistant to most antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs. The course of therapy is two weeks, then you need to visit an ophthalmologist. You can also use Floxal eye drops, alternating with a similar ointment. With this method of treatment, you should follow the scheme: first drops, then ointment.
Redness and itching in the eyes: what to do?
At the first signs of conjunctivitis, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist. But the opportunity to visit a specialist “here and now” is not always possible. Since the disease can be contagious, precautions must be taken.
Hygiene rules before visiting a doctor:
- Don't rub your eyes. Often, infectious and bacterial conjunctivitis first affects one eye and spreads through the hands to the other. If the itching is unbearable, scratch the eye through a bandage or clean cloth, throw it away and wash your hands.
- Don't wash your face. Wipe your cheeks, neck and forehead with a damp cloth, and your eyes with a sterile gauze pad. There is a separate one for each eye.
The exception is contact with chemicals in the eyes. In this case, on the contrary, rinse your eyes generously with boiled water.
- Avoid glasses and contact lenses until diagnosis.
- Wash your face towel, otherwise you risk infecting your family.
- If fluid flows from your eyes, wipe them with boiled water using a sterile bandage. Do not use cotton wool, as the lint from it can make the situation worse. You should wipe your eyes from the inner corners to the outer ones. A separate gauze swab for each eye; do not put it in a cup of water. Throw away after use.
- Do not visit the pool, gym, avoid close contact with people.
Noticed redness, tearing and itching of your eyes? Do not wait for it to “go away on its own” and do not self-medicate.
"Sofradex"
A potent drug containing several antibiotics at once - dexamethasone, gramicidin and framycetin. It should not be used for more than seven days. When instilled into the eyes, it relieves burning, lacrimation, and photophobia. Each of the components has its own pronounced effect.
Framycetin sulfate is an antibiotic from the aminoglycoside group. It has an extended antibacterial effect, is active against most gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli, dysentery, Proteus and others), as well as gram-positive microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus. However, framycetin does not have a suppressive effect on pathogenic fungi, streptococci.
Gramicidin expands the spectrum of antimicrobial action of framycetin due to its activity against streptococci and anaerobic microorganisms. Strengthens the reaction of framycetin against staphylococci, as it also has an antistaphylococcal effect. Dexamethasone neutralizes inflammation by inhibiting mast cell migration and reducing capillary permeability.
Vitabact
Vitabact eye drops produced in France are the safest broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. Vitabact drops for conjunctivitis are indicated even for newborns. “Vitabakt” not only relieves eye inflammation and reduces purulent discharge, but also directly affects the causative agents of the disease. Judging by the reviews, these eye drops moisturize the eyes well, relieve mucous membrane irritation and discomfort. Among the disadvantages of Vitabact are the rather high price and short shelf life after opening the bottle (1 month). Parents say that these drops for conjunctivitis are well tolerated even by the youngest children because they do not cause a burning sensation.
Vitabact
Novartis Pharma Services AG (Novartis Pharma), Switzerland
Adults and children from 0 years: - bacterial infections of the anterior part of the eye;
- dacryocystitis; — prevention of infectious complications in the postoperative period after surgical interventions in the anterior eye area. from 156
522
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Montevisin
Eye drops for conjunctivitis "Montevisin" are excellent value for money. This is a kind of “first aid” for conjunctivitis, when you need to quickly get rid of symptoms. Drops instantly relieve eye fatigue, pain, pain, swelling and redness. A few minutes after instillation, the vascular network is no longer so visible, the view becomes clearer. But Montevisin has a number of contraindications associated with high blood pressure and heart disease, so be sure to consult your doctor. Thanks to the convenient pipette, it is very convenient to use Montevisin eye drops.
Montevisin
Swelling of the conjunctiva, secondary hyperemia in allergic eye diseases, irritation of the conjunctiva;
- hyperemia and/or swelling of the conjunctiva caused by various nonspecific causes (condition after tonometry, dust, cigarette smoke, smog, swimming, reading, driving). from 132
330
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Visine Classic
These American-made eye drops are great for patients with allergic conjunctivitis. Literally 5-7 minutes after instillation, the condition of the eyes noticeably improves. The positive effect after Visin Classic lasts 4-8 hours. Visin Classic drops for conjunctivitis relieve inflammation, dry mucous membranes, swelling and redness if they are caused by wearing lenses, a reaction to dust and cosmetics, or chemical irritants. Visin Classic can be used in children from 2 years of age, but only if there are indications for this (inflammation and swelling). Allergic conjunctivitis with proper use of the drug goes away in 3-4 days.
Visine Classic
Ciprofloxacin-Optic
Ciprofloxacin-Optic drops are an inexpensive broad-spectrum antibiotic that copes well with purulent conjunctivitis. These eye drops are odorless and come in a glass bottle. Dosing the drug is very convenient thanks to the narrow spout-tip. Literally a day after using Ciprofloxacin, pus stops coming out of the eyes, and after three days of treatment, conjunctivitis completely disappears. Eye drops do not “harm” the eyes, and patients note a rapid recovery: swelling of the eyelids, inflammation and burning in the eyes disappear. If you want to quickly cure conjunctivitis, use Ciprofloxacin drops, strictly following the instructions.
Ciprofloxacin-Optic
OJSC Pharmstandard-Leksredstva, Russia
Treatment of corneal ulcers and infections of the anterior segment of the eyeball and its appendages caused by bacteria sensitive to ciprofloxacin in adults, newborns (from 0 to 27 days), infants and infants (from 28 to 23 months), children (from 2 to 11 years) and teenagers (from 12 to 18 years old).
from 44
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Diclofenac
Diclofenac eye drops relieve inflammation in conjunctivitis and are prescribed after injuries and eye surgeries to reduce pain. The active ingredient of the drug is diclofenac sodium, which, due to its rapid absorption into the blood, instantly relieves unpleasant symptoms. Use Diclofenac drops strictly according to the instructions, since the drug has contraindications and side effects (allergies, itching, swelling, nausea and vomiting). An opened bottle of Diclofenac can be stored for a month.
Diclofenac drops
Sintez OJSC, Russia
Has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
In inflammatory processes that occur after operations, it relieves pain and reduces inflammatory swelling at the wound site. from 20
5.0 1 review
58
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Etiology of CD
CD most often develops in healthy individuals. Risk factors for the disease have been identified:
- contact with infected people;
- non-compliance with the rules for using contact lenses;
- sinusitis;
- immunodeficiency states.
According to a group of researchers from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, led by Hammouda Ehab, published in the European Journal of Ophthalmology in 1999, the most common causes of CD are:
- Staphylococcus aureus, S.epidermidis, S.pneumonie, S.viridans;
- Haemophilus influenzae;
- Streptococcus pneumoniae;
- Moraxella spp.
In rare cases, CD is associated with Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. People who are sexually promiscuous are at risk for chlamydial and gonococcal CD.
Chronic CD is most often observed during infection with Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella lacunata, bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family; Chlamydia trachomatis.
Scheme 1. Procedure for diagnosing conjunctivitis
Classification
First of all, ophthalmologists divide conjunctivitis into endogenous and exogenous. The former are secondary and appear as a consequence of another disease, while the latter are primary.
In accordance with the cause that caused the inflammatory process, the following types of conjunctivitis are distinguished:
- bacterial, which appears due to the proliferation of gonococci and other microorganisms;
- chlamydial, which is called trachoma or paratrachoma. Unlike other bacterial infections, treatment of conjunctivitis in adults in this case requires the additional use of systemic drugs (tetracycline, erythromycin and others);
- viral conjunctivitis;
- fungal, it appears as a result of candidiasis and other diseases of fungal etiology;
- non-infectious developing against the background of an allergic reaction or autoimmune pathologies;
- traumatic, resulting from thermal, mechanical or chemical damage to the mucous membrane.
In addition, the disease is divided according to the type of course into acute, subacute and chronic, and according to its form - into catarrhal, purulent, follicular and membranous.
Aktipol
Actipol drops for conjunctivitis are suitable for advanced stages of the disease. "Aktipol" not only treats conjunctivitis, but also strengthens local immunity. Often these eye drops are prescribed for ARVI and herpes. "Aktipol" also helps relieve inflammation in case of minor eye bruises and damage to the mucous membrane in those who wear lenses. You need to drip Actipol into your eyes 3 to 8 times a day. The drug helps to completely cure conjunctivitis in a week or two. The main active ingredient of these eye drops is para-aminobenzoic acid, which strengthens local immunity, thanks to which the body independently resists viruses. "Aktipol" can be used by pregnant women in the second and third trimester.
Aktipol
Diapharm, Russia
Actipol is an ophthalmic antiviral agent that is an inducer of endogenous interferon.
In addition to the antiviral effect, it has antioxidant and regenerative properties. from 515
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Antiviral drugs: drops
If any type of conjunctivitis is present, the doctor will prescribe effective medications. Thus, eye drops with interferon effectively eliminate inflammation, fight viruses, alleviate symptoms of the disease and improve general condition. Antiviral ointments complement the main treatment well. It is important that the prescribed drug affects exactly the pathogen that provoked the disease.
We will provide a short overview of medications that are used in modern ophthalmology to treat conjunctivitis in adults.
- "Poludan" - drops that induce the synthesis of interferon, which significantly speeds up the healing process. Active ingredients: polyadenylic acid, polyuridylic acid. It is recommended to instill 1-2 drops into the eyes several times a day. An improvement in the condition is noticeable already on the third day of using the drops.
- "Ophthalmoferon" is an immunomodulator drug containing human interferon obtained from blood leukocytes. They are used to treat various conjunctivitis, including those caused by herpes viruses and adenoviruses. Interferon stays longer in the conjunctival sac, which increases the effectiveness of antiviral therapy. "Ophthalmoferon" is well tolerated by the tissues of the eye and does not cause side effects. Clinical signs of a toxic or allergic reaction to Oftalmoferon were not recorded in any case, and no patient complaints about the irritating effect of the drug were noted.
- "Aktipol" are antiviral drops that activate interferon in the body, thus helping it build its own immune defense. The use of this remedy allows you to quickly eliminate swelling of the conjunctiva and restore damaged cornea. Since the drug is applied topically, the active component - aminobenzoic acid - is well absorbed and has an effective therapeutic effect.
- "Albucid" is the most common topical agent. Its active ingredient - sulfacetamide 200 mg - suppresses many pathogenic microorganisms, preventing their reproduction. The advantages of these drops are their affordable cost and high efficiency in the initial stages of the disease. When applied topically, it penetrates into the tissues and fluids of the eye. Absorbed into the systemic circulation through the conjunctiva.
What are the consequences of not seeing a doctor in a timely manner?
If you contact a specialist late, chronic inflammation of the eyelids can develop into an acute form, and in this case it will be much more difficult to cure. For any symptoms that may indicate the development of the disease, you should immediately visit an ophthalmologist.
Do not diagnose yourself and do not look for advice on the Internet. This not only delays recovery, but also poses a danger due to possible complications. Only a specialist, after a competent diagnosis, will determine the cause of the disease and prescribe effective medications for conjunctivitis. When carrying out therapy, supervision by a doctor and careful implementation of his recommendations are required. It happens that treatment is ineffective, so the disease relapses. In such cases, a comprehensive examination is prescribed: perhaps the problem lies in general pathology.
