This presentation is about conjunctivitis, how is it caused , the symptoms and precautions to be taken to prevent one self from getting it.

1. ~ Issued in public interest by Shroff Eye Hospital, Mumbai, India~ Issued in public interest by Shroff Eye Hospital, Mumbai, India
ConjunctivitisConjunctivitis

2. Conjunctivitis
It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. A clear,
thin membrane called the conjunctiva covers your
eyeball and the inside of your eyelids. If something
irritates this covering, your eyes may become red and
swollen. Your eyes also may itch or even hurt and they
may water.

3. What are the main causes of
conjunctivitis?

Bacterial -The epidemics due to contact with infected person
(Happening on a large scale in the city at the moment)

Viral - Commonly associated with colds

Allergic - Dust is a major cause of allergic conjunctivitis. Pollen
from trees and grass, weed pollens and moulds; animal skin, fur
and secretions such as saliva; perfumes and cosmetics and eye
make up; skin medicines; air pollution and smoke. mosquito-
repellent liquids used in a closed room throughout the night can
cause allergies and puffy eyelids.

5. Another form is Giant papillary conjunctivitis.
It occurs in some people who have a 'foreign body' on the
eye - most commonly a contact lens. The exact cause of
the inflammation is not known - it is possibly an allergic
reaction to 'debris' on a contact lens or to poor lens
hygiene.
About 1 in 100 contact lens wearers develop this type of
conjunctivitis.

6. What are the signs or symptoms one should
look out for?
- The eyes are usually itchy, and the whites of the eyes look red or
pink.
- A burning feeling may occur and it may be painful.
- The eyelids tend to swell and or look lumpy .
- The eyes can water or become sticky due to discharge
- Vision is not usually affected.

7. What can I do to relieve the symptoms?
Pus and crust should be removed by bathing the eye with lukewarm water
Depending on the type of conjunctivitis, eye drops that reduce inflammation
and treat infection [antibiotics] are prescribed
Do not miss any doses of the eye drops even if the redness reduces;
follow the entire prescribed schedule, otherwise there is a chance
of recurrence.
Do not wear contact lenses until symptoms have gone, and for 24 hours after
the last dose of any eye drop or ointment.
Always wash your hands before and after cleaning or touching your eyes
Sunwear or Eyewear is only used to overcome the urge to touch the eyes
when the eyes itch and to avoid causing the psychological urge to itch if any
person sees the red eyes.
Anti inflammatory tablets may help relieve any headache or swelling of the lids

9. How can one prevent this ailment or avoid
spreading?
Sunglasses or protective eye wear DO NOT prevent conjunctivitis
Hands must be washed or cleaned before touching your eyes even if you
are not infected as conjunctivitis spreads through touch
Refrain from crowded areas when there is an epidemic of conjunctivitis
Overcome the urge to itch. Go to the washroom, wash the hands, rub
your eyes gently, and then wash the hands again.
For children, avoid playmates that have red eyes
Follow good hygiene of face and hands
Eye Drops are usually antibiotics and should not be started without
consulting an eye doctor as there are various types of conjunctivitis
You must avoid wearing contact lenses until your symptoms have
disappeared
Ensure that you do not go to work with red or ‘sore eyes’ unless fully
cured to prevent spreading it to others

10. Some myths!
It is a myth if you think that by staring into a
red eye you will get one yourself!
It is also a myth that a person wearing dark
glasses when he/she has a red eye is
enough protection from spreading the
condition!

11. Thank You for your time
Shroff Eye Hospital & Lasik
Centre
222, S V Road,
Near Suburbia Movie Theatre,
Bandra West,
Mumbai- 400050.
Maharashtra.
Shroff Eye Clinic
Gobind Mahal,
8-B,N. Subhash Road
Marine Drive,
Mumbai- 400002.
Maharashtra.
022 - 66921000022 - 66921000
Shroffeye.org Lasikindia.in Smilerelex.com
022 - 22814077022 - 22814077