Conjunctiva

Conjunctivitis is popularly known as "eye flu" and "

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, that is, the tissue covering the sclera layer, which is the white part of the eye, and the inner parts of the eyelids, due to bacteria, viruses or allergic reasons.

Conjunctivitis, its name in the medical literature, is the white part of the eye. It comes from the sclera and the conjunctiva, which covers the inside of the eyelids. The disease is also known as red eye disease because it causes bloodshot eyes and redness in the eyes.

The main function of this network, called the conjunctiva, which has very thin vessels in its internal structure, is to produce various substances that keep the eye moist. As a result of inflammation in this structure due to various reasons, this vessel becomes much more visible and bloodshot and redness occurs in the white part of the eye.

The cause of this inflammation in conjunctivitis is bacterial, viral or allergic. . Fungi, microbes, various parasites and chemicals, as well as various objects that come into contact with the eyes, can cause the disease.

Viruses are the most common cause of the disease. Viral conjunctivitis can also be transmitted through epidemics.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is the infection of the conjunctiva over the sclera due to various bacteria. While it usually occurs because hygiene rules are not followed, it is more common in children than in adults.

Conjunctivitis caused by flying substances such as pollen, grass and dust is allergic conjunctivitis. The metabolism of people who are sensitive to these substances produces various substances as a reaction.

These substances are the reason for the development of allergic conjunctivitis. It causes symptoms such as redness, itching and watering in the eyes. It usually occurs in childhood and continues into adulthood.

Many types of conjunctivitis do not cause symptoms until they reach an advanced stage and can appear suddenly. That's why regular ophthalmologist check-ups are important for early diagnosis. The disease usually occurs as a result of environmental interaction, but genetic factors also play a role in the allergic type.

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What Causes Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can occur for many different reasons. These causes are allergic, bacterial and viral causes. The main reason why the disease has multiple causes is that our eyes are open to all external factors. In addition, genetic factors also play a role in allergic conjunctivitis.

It may cause symptoms such as watering, crusting and stinging, especially redness and bloodshot eyes. If treatment is delayed, there is a possibility of chronicity.

Common causes of the disease are as follows:

• Touching or rubbing the eyes with dirty hands that are not cleaned enough,
• Not chlorinated. Entering the pool or swimming in the same pool with people with conjunctivitis,
• Upper respiratory tract infections,
• Contact of foreign substances such as dirt, dust, hair, sand to the eyes,
• Increased tear production. inadequacies,
• Excessive exposure of the eyes to the smoke of tobacco products such as cigarettes, hookahs or polluted air, which will negatively affect eye health,
• Seasonal allergies to pollen, dust or pet dander,< /li>
• Dust getting under the contact lens,
• Dry eyes caused by sunlight and winds,
• Chemical substance contact with the eyes

It can be seen for reasons such as.

Who are the people at risk?

• People with allergies and a family history of allergies,
• People who spend most of their daily time in crowded places such as nurseries, schools, offices, etc., which are susceptible to virus or bacterial contagion,
< li>People who use contact lens types that are changed at long intervals.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis symptoms vary depending on the type of disease in the person. The cause of the redness in the white part of the eye, which occurs due to general inflammation, is the swelling in the eye vessels and the resulting edema. It is important to start treatment early to prevent permanent damage.

Conjunctivitis is divided into different types depending on the causes of inflammation in the white of the eye. Depending on these types, the symptoms seen in patients vary and a treatment plan is created accordingly.

Swelling in the eyelids is often seen in allergic and bacterial conjunctivitis. If left untreated, it may spread to the other eye. Burning and itching in the eyes are typical features of allergic conjunctivitis. In viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, watery eyes are more common. Other common symptoms of conjunctivitis are as follows:

• Watering eyes
• Churning
• Redness and swelling around the eyes
• Burning or burning sensation in the eyes. Stinging sensation in eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Bloodshot eyes
• Bottom Follicular formation inside the eyelid
• A feeling of pain in the eye
• Symptoms such as crusting and sticking of the eyelashes may be observed after waking up in the morning

What are the Types of the Disease?

Allergic Conjunctiva: Among the society eye It is also known as flu. Although it affects both eyes, it is not contagious. The reason for its emergence is the reaction of the eye to various substances in the air that cause allergies, such as dust, animal dander and pollen.

It may occur seasonally and cause eye infection, or it may develop due to other reasons. It is the only type of conjunctivitis that can be seen due to genetic transmission. Preventive or curative treatment can be performed with antihistamine drugs, artificial tear drops and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Bacterial Conjunctiva: As its name suggests, it is a type caused by bacteria. It is inflammation of the eye membrane due to bacteria. It can only be seen in one eye and can be said to be contagious. While it can be seen in all age groups, it is most common in children.

The most common symptom is light green or yellow discharge in the eyes. It occurs because hygiene rules are not paid enough attention to, such as touching the eyes without clean hands, using cosmetic products that cause bacteria production, and being in crowded environments. Antibiotic drops and creams are used for healing purposes.

Viral Conjunctiva: It is a type of conjunctiva usually caused by adenoviruses. It is frequently seen with upper respiratory tract infections such as flu and cold. It is the type with the highest contagion. Since it resolves spontaneously within a few days and progresses with mild symptoms, there is usually no need for treatment.

How Do I Protect My Eyes from Red Eye Disease?

Eye You can take the following precautions to protect yourself from conjunctiva, also known as flu and red eye disease:

• Frequent washing of hands and face using antiseptic soaps,
• Keeping car and house windows closed, especially in spring and the beginning of summer, that is, in the months when pollen is intense,
• Taking care to use sunglasses during the pollen season,
• Especially in public areas. Using disposable towels,
• Ensuring that your eyes are protected from bacterial effects by wearing swimming goggles when entering the pool,
• Paying attention to hygiene rules when putting on and removing lenses,
• Especially protecting your hands and eyes. Changing eye lenses after thoroughly washing the surrounding area and using a special lens solution,
• Not sharing or exchanging lenses with others,
• Those who wear contact lenses should remove these lenses while taking a shower,
• If you use glasses, pay attention to their cleanliness,
• Covering your mouth when sneezing and coughing and washing your hands afterwards,
• Frequently cleaning the surfaces that hands frequently contact, such as tables, kitchen counters, mobile phones and door handles. disinfecting,
• Staying away from environments where there is intense cigarette smoke and air pollution,
• Frequently ventilating living spaces to prevent dust formation at home,

We can minimize our chances of getting conjunctivitis by taking precautions such as.