What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis or Red Eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva.
The conjunctiva is the thin, clear-layer that covers the white area of
the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. It produces mucus to
coat and moisten the surface of the eye. There are tiny blood
vessels inside this thin layer. When the conjunctiva becomes
irritated, these blood vessels become bigger and more noticeable
and appear as red or pink.
What causes Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is usually due to allergy, infection or irritation of the conjunctiva.
Allergy means that the immune system overreacts to something to which it has become sensitive.
Symptoms of increased immune activity in the eyes include redness, watering and itching.
These are part of the body's defence mechanism to things it sees as foreign and harmful.
Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by airborne allergens that come in contact with the eye.
Symptoms may be sudden in onset (acute), seasonal, or present year-round (perennial),
depending upon the allergen.
What are the symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis?
The most common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include redness, watery discharge, foreign body sensation and
itching of both eyes. Other symptoms can include burning, sensitivity to light, and swelling of the
eyelids. Both eyes are usually affected, although symptoms may be worse in one eye. Rubbing
the eyes can worsen symptoms.
What can I do about Allergic Conjunctivitis?
Avoid rubbing the eyes. If itching is bothersome, use artificial tears, a cool compress, or
antihistamine eye drops. Minimize exposure to pollen by staying inside when possible, using air
conditioning, and keeping car and home windows closed during the peak allergy seasons.
Synergy Eye Care is well equipped and its doctors are well experienced in treating this disease using required procedures and /or surgeries with good results.
Disclaimer: Information published here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. If you suspect that you have a health problem, please consult your doctor immediately
