What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is defined as the inflammation of the Conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin, clear, mucous membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white of the eye (sclera). It is characterized by redness of the eye and conjunctival discharge. The conjunctiva contains tiny blood vessels that produce mucus to keep the surface of the eye moist, which can be affected in cases of bacterial conjunctivitis. When there is an irritation or swelling in the conjunctiva, these blood vessels are enlarged and prominent causing redness of the eye. Â
What are the causes of Conjunctivitis?
1.    Exogenous: Causative agents like Bacteria (diplococcus pneumonia/staphylococcus aureus) and Viruses (adenovirus conjunctivitis, Herpes simplex conjunctivitis)
2.    Endogenous: Blood-borne infections, allergic responses (caused by sensitivity to pollens, drugs, or cosmetics), or due to metabolic defects may contribute to conjunctivitis caused by an allergy.
3.    Infection spreads from the skin, lacrimal apparatus, cornea, sclera, orbit, and uveal tract.
What are the types of Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis can be classified into: -
·      Bacterial
·      Viral
·      Allergic
What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis?
Patients experiencing the following features can present with the case of Conjunctivitis: -
1.    A powdery/dusty feeling in one or both eyes.
2.    Excessive amount of tears
3.    Itching or burning sensation.
4.    Redness in the white of the eye
5.    Blurred vision
6.    Increased sensitivity to light
7.    Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep
8.    Swelling of Conjunctiva
How to diagnose Conjunctivitis?
·      Swab culture to rule out bacterial infection
·      Patch Test to confirm causative allergen in Allergic Conjunctivitis
·      Cytology
Treatment
·      Topical antibiotics
·      Antihistamines can be effective in treating conjunctivitis caused by allergies.
·      Chloramphenicol
·      Fusidic acid
·      Steroids
·      Topical steroids
Ayurvedic Treatment for Conjunctiva
In Ayurveda, Conjunctivitis may be compared with Abhishyanda, which tends to spread in all areas – Pakshma Vartma – Swetha, and Krishna Mandala, hence categorized as Sarva gatha Roga. According to Acharya Susrutha, it is a Sankramika Vyaadhi (contagious disease), and becomes the cause for most of eye diseases. It is of 4 types: -Â
1.    Vataja (Subacute Catarrhal Conjunctivitis) can lead to symptoms similar to those of viral conjunctivitis.
2.    Pittaja (Acute Catarrhal Conjunctivitis)
3.    Kaphaja (Acute Muco Purulent Conjunctivitis)
4.    Rakthaja (Acute Muco Purulent Conjunctivitis)
Internal and External therapies are given according to Dosha predominance and after assessment of Prakriti. External therapies like Purambada, Netra seka, Aschotana, Bidalaka, Jaloukavachara, etc are administered after proper analysis of the disease condition, especially in cases of pink eye. Internal therapies will be prescribed according to Dosha vitiation and after assessment of Ama. Antah sodhana, Apatharpana are done accordingly. Ahara-Vihara instructions are also advised.
FAQs for Conjunctivitis(Pink Eye)
Eye-Care Advice for Patients with Conjunctivitis
·      Application of cold compress 3-4 times for 10-15 minutes to the infected eye can help alleviate symptoms of conjunctivitis caused by viral infections.
·      Wash your hands frequently and try to avoid touching of eyes
·      Wear sunglasses if your eyes are light sensitive to reduce the risk of developing conjunctivitis caused by allergens.
·      Use a clean pillowcase.
·      Avoid using contact lenses in case of eye irritation or discomfort
What is the fastest way to cure conjunctivitis?
The fastest way to cure conjunctivitis is by application of topical antibiotics, usage of antihistamines, steroids, etc. Anything must be under medical supervision only.
What is the recovery time for conjunctivitis?
The recovery period normally is between 7 to 14 days. But it can extend up to 3 weeks in rare cases.
Can I treat conjunctivitis myself?
Conjunctivitis clears up usually without any medications/treatments in about 2 to 3 weeks. Maintaining cleanliness around the area of the eyes including the eyelids using distilled water is necessary.
How long does conjunctivitis take to recover?
It takes 14 days to 21 days to completely recover from conjunctivitis. The use of antibiotics can cure bacterial conjunctivitis in about 7-14 days, but viral conjunctivitis can take much longer.
Can conjunctivitis clear by itself?
Yes, conjunctivitis can clear by itself without any medications/treatments. But medical intervention is usually recommended for faster recovery.
Can conjunctivitis be cured in 3 days?
No, it can take much longer than 3 days to completely recover from conjunctivitis. But medications can definitely speed up the recovery. Medications administered under medical supervision are usually necessary if you are looking for faster recovery from the disease.
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