Exterior problems

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis (also called ‘pink eye’) is caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva and the inner surface of the eyelids. It can be initiated by an allergic reaction or an infection, usually of a viral nature.

The types of conjunctivitis can be divided into categories depending on its cause or by the areas involved:

Causes:

• Bacterial conjunctivitis
• Viral conjunctivitis
• Chemical conjunctivitis
• Neonatal conjunctivitis

Areas involved:

• Blepharoconjunctivitis = conjunctivitis + Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
• Keratoconjunctivitis = conjunctivitis + keratitis (corneal inflammation) 
• Episcleritisis = is a condition which is similar to conjunctivitis, however, it lacks the appearance of both discharge and tearing.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis 

Symptoms include a significant irritation of the eye with a purulent yellow discharge known as gound, which may cause stickiness of the eyelids. Crusting of the eye and also the surrounding skin can be a common characteristic. The infection is present for three days before any symptoms are shown. An episode of bacterial conjunctivitis usually clears up itself without any treatment, however, antibiotics are known to increase recovery time.

Bacterial conjunctivitis picture courtesy of Wikimedia commons. This image is in the public domain thus free of any copyright restrictions.

Chemical conjunctivitis

Irritant or toxic conjunctivitis usually shows no signs of discharge and itch, however, there can be severe pain when the eye is pointed too far up or down. Chemical injuries are classed as medical ermergencies as they can cause scarring and intraocular damage (especially by alkalis). Chemical conjunctivitis is treated by washing the eye with ringer's lactate or saline solution.

Viral Conjunctivitis 

This usually occurs in one eye; however, it can easily spread to the other eye. It’s associated with an infection of the upper respiratory tract, a sore throat or common cold; its symptoms include a watery discharge and variable itch.

There is no specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis; however, relief can be obtained by warm compress and artificial tears. Patients are asked to refrain from sharing towels and washcloths and from touching their eyes.

External Stye

As stye is the most common type of eye infection and can affect people of all ages. It can occur either externally or internally and usually formed when an infection is present. An external stye mainly arises due an infection of either the eyelash root (the ciliary gland) or the sebaceous gland (a gland which produces oil to moisten and protect the skin). They can also be triggered by sleep deprivation, stress or poor nutrition.

Stye picture courtesy of Wikimedia commons. This image is in the public domain thus free of any copyright restrictions.

Symptoms:

·         A generalized redness of the entire eyelid before a localization to one area

·         Pain when touching the infected area or the eyelid

·         A red bump, with a pus filled head close to the edge of the eyelid

·         The region of swelling feels warm

Generally, stye’s tend to disappear naturally within a few days. However, there are methods to help encourage this process: 

• Hot compress using a warm flannel. This will warm up any fluid in the stye and will therefore promote drainage.

• Bathing the eye and eyelids to help prevent crusting or pus build up. 
  
   

If the stye persists then it is necessary to visit your GP who will prescribe an antibiotic ointment, such as chloramphenicol (e.g. Chloromycetin) or fusidic acid (e.g. Fucithalmic).

These are both forms of antibiotics which work against bacteria by preventing them producing the proteins that are essential to them. 

This eliminates replication as they can no longer divide and the bodies immune system will eventually kill off the parent bacteria.

 Eye drops picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. This image is in the public domain thus free of any copyright restrictions.