Conjunctivitis is red eyes due to inflammation on the membrane that lines the surface of the eyeball and the inner eyelid (conjunctiva of the eye).Besides Red eye, conjunctivitis or conjunctivitis can accompanied with itching on the eyes and eyes watery.
The conjunctiva contains blood vessels that dilate when conjunctivitis occurs. The dilation of blood vessels is what causes the symptoms of red eye. This conjunctivitis often causes red eyes in infants, eye pain in children, and adults.
Conjunctivitis can also be a sign that someone has been infected with the Corona virus that causes COVID-19. Therefore, if you or your child has conjunctivitis, you should see a doctor so that the condition can be confirmed. Click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Causes of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is often caused by a viral infection (viral conjunctivitis). In addition to viral conjunctivitis, there are also bacterial conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial infection and allergic conjunctivitis caused by an allergic reaction. There are several things that can trigger an allergic reaction, including dust, mites, or glue during the procedure eyelash extensions.
Conjunctivitis caused by infections, especially viruses, is very easily transmitted either through direct contact or contact with contaminated items. Diligent hand washing is one step to prevent conjunctivitis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis will cause complaints of red, watery, and sore eyes, but people with conjunctivitis will not experience visual disturbances. Sometimes, conjunctivitis caused by an allergic reaction can also cause the skin around the eyes to appear dry, swollen, bumpy, and dull.
Through an eye examination, the doctor can immediately detect conjunctivitis. If needed, the doctor will take a sample of the fluid in the eye to be analyzed in the laboratory so that the cause of conjunctivitis can be identified correctly.
Conjunctivitis Treatment
Treatment for conjunctivitis varies depending on the cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment, while allergic conjunctivitis is treated with anti-allergic drugs.
Meanwhile, for viral conjunctivitis, no special treatment is needed because it will heal on its own. However, doctors can give eye drops to relieve symptoms experienced by sufferers. To relieve conjunctivitis symptoms, sufferers can also use natural ways to treat eye pain, such as compressing the eyes with warm or cold water.
Complications Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis rarely causes complications. However, conjunctivitis caused by infection, can spread to other areas, especially to the clear layer of the eye (eye cornea). This condition is called keratitis.