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Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an infection of the conjunctiva (the outer-most layer of the eye that covers the sclera). It is a fairly common condition and usually causes no danger to the eye or your child’s vision. Often called “pink eye,” it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. Inflammation causes small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more prominent, resulting in a pink or red cast to the whites of your eyes.

Its common name, pink eye, can refer to all forms of conjunctivitis, or just to its contagious forms. The term describes any inflammatory process that involves the conjunctiva; however, to most patients, conjunctivitis (often called pink eye) is a diagnosis in its own right. The viral type is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold, or sore throat. Left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Overall however, there are many causes of pink eye. Pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses, and STDs can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly. With antibiotic treatment, it typically goes away without complications.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

The common Causes of Conjunctivitis:

Viruses.

A chemical splash in the eye.

Bacteria.

Radiation, especially the ultraviolet in sunlight.

The most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis, especially in older children, is a viral infection.

A foreign object in the eye.

Irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, and pool chlorine.

Too much wind blowing on the eyes.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Some Symptoms of Conjunctivitis:

The eye is itchy or painful.

Increased tearing

Blurred vision

Redness in the eyes

Itching of the eye

Tearing

Sensitivity to light

A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night.

A gritty feeling in one or both eyes

Treatment of Conjunctivitis

Antibiotic eye ointment, in place of eyedrops, is sometimes prescribed for treating bacterial pink eye in children.

Different types of eyedrops: Antihistamines, Decongestants, Mast cell stabilizers, Steroids and Anti-inflammatory drops.

Patients who wish to return to hydrogel (soft) CLs should use peroxide disinfection systems or daily disposable hydrogel CLs.

Topical mast cell-stabilizing solutions (eg, cromolyn sodium, lodoxamide) may offer a pharmacological alternative for these patients, although CL cessation is the most effective treatment.

Cool water may help to soothe the redness and itching.

If the problem is a virus infection, then it will not respond to antibiotics, and your body will have to fight off the infection.

Your doctor may prescribe drops or ointment, or both. Drops stay in the eyes for a shorter time, but ointment tends to blur the vision. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe drops by day, with ointment at night.

Over the counter eye cleansing solution can also soothe the eyes, but in the presence of a bacterial infection, you need to see the doctor as antibiotic eye drops or ointment are necessary. In some rare infections, antibiotics are also given by mouth.

One of the most common eye problems in older adults is a skin condition called blepharitis . In severe cases, it may also cause styes , irritation and inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. Inflammation happens when the body tries to fight an injury or infection and the specific area tends to look swollen and sore. Some patients have no symptoms at all. Blepharitis usually affects both eyes on the edge of the eyelids and although rarely serious, it can be an uncomfortable, persistent and irritating problem.

Blepharitis tends to recur and stubbornly resist treatment. It is inconvenient and unattractive but usually does not damage the cornea or result in loss of vision. Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms and the appearance of the eyelids. A doctor may use a slit lamp to examine the eyelids more closely. Occasionally, a sample of pus is taken from the edges of the eyelids and is cultured to identify the type of bacteria responsible and the antibiotics to which they are susceptible. Occasionally, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin plus polymyxin B or sulfacetamide or an oral antibiotic, such as doxycycline.

Causes of Blepharitis

The common Causes of Blepharitis :

Inflammatory or allergic blepharitis results in increased shedding of skin cells near your eyelids.

Askin condition called rosacea.

Dust, smoke, or other substances that cause allergies.

Bacteria, such as staphylococci, or other organisms.

The ulcerative form (infectious) often results in infectious discharge.

Symptoms of Blepharitis

Some Symptoms of Blepharitis :

Inflamed, greasy and sore eyelids,

Dry eyes,

“Gritty” or “sandy” feeling

Blurred and decreased vision,

Itchiness or a burning sensation,

A feeling that there is something in your eye,

Sensitivity to light (photophobia),

Thickened and swollen eyelids,

Occasional loss of eyelashes and scarring of the eyelids.

Itching, irritation, red eyes.

Treatment of Blepharitis

Antibiotic ointment does not make the blepharitis clear faster, but it may help to stop the spread of the infection to other parts of the eyes, or treat a secondary infection.

Instructing your child not to rub his/her eyes.

It is important to know that the goal of the treatment is to decrease the severity of the symptoms.

applying warm, wet, compresses to your child’s eyes for a period of approximately 15 minutes several times throughout the day

Having your child wash his/her hands frequently.

Add a few drops of baby shampoo to a cup of water. Moisten a cotton swab with this mixture. Using the swab, clean all the deposits from your lid margins and eyelashes. Do not pull the crusts off with your fingers. Use a new swab for each eye.

Moisten a washcloth with warm water and hold it over both eyes for several minutes. This helps to soften any deposits on the eyelids. This can also help open up the tear glands and moisturize the eye.

Severe cases of blepharitis may need to be managed by an ophthalmologist (eye care specialist).

Corticosteroid cream or lotion.

Although their symptoms are similar, SARS is caused by completely different viruses. Influenza viruses also are more contagious and cannot be as readily contained as SARS by isolating people who have the infection. Scientists fear the bird flu virus could evolve into a form that is easily spread between people, resulting in an extremely contagious and lethal disease.

The two viruses could recombine inside the victim’s body, producing a hybrid that could readily spread from person to person. The grimmest scenario would be a global outbreak to rival the flu pandemic of 1918 and 1919, which claimed millions of lives worldwide. For now, researchers are trying to develop a vaccine that would protect people in the event of a bird flu pandemic.

Causes of Bird Flu

The common Causes of Bird Flu :

Bird flu (or Avian flu) is currently being used to describe the influenza virus, H5N1, which is producing a highly contagious and rapidly fatal disease, leading to severe epidemics in birds.

Bird flu is caused by different subtypes of influenza A virus affecting chickens, ducks and other birds Viruses which cause mild disease can mutate into viruses that can cause serious disease (highly pathogenic).

Symptoms of Bird Flu

Some Symptoms of Bird Flu :

Cough

Fever

Sore throat

Muscle aches

conjunctivitis

Treatment of Bird Flu

Antiviral medications used to treat human flu viruses help to reduce the symptoms of bird flu, but it’s not yet clear whether these work for the current type of bird flu.

Oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) and zanamivir (brand name Relenza) antiviral medications used to treat regular flu may be helpful in the treatment of bird flu.

However, their effectiveness against the H5N1 subtype of the virus is uncertain, and there are also concerns about the availability and cost of these medications.

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