Conjunctival Problems

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Symptoms are variable. A mild seasonal allergic conjunctivitis results in mild itching without discharge, while a severe allergic conjunctivitis might result in a reaction so great that the eye is swollen shut. Treatment includes antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant medicines. The newest mast cell inhibitors are wonderful for seasonal allergic and chronic allergies. Steroids may be used for extreme reactions. Cold compresses will reduce the reaction.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis is a result of a bacterial infection. It is normal for some bacteria to exist on the surface of the body and in the eye, which is called normal flora. Bacterial invasion can occur when the normal body defenses fail to keep the normal flora in the balance; or by airborne bacteria, cosmetics, or touching the eye with your hand; or by touching another person with a bacterial conjunctivitis, or an item that they used. It is extremely contagious and found much more commonly in children. It is common for bacterial infections to be passed throughout a household by using the same towels. Antibiotics rapidly cure the condition.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)

Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is a hyper (increased) allergic response of the conjunctival tissue that lines the inside of the upper eyelid. This type of inflammation generally involves a immune reaction to contact lens or the protein deposits on the contact lens. It may also occur with artificial eyes or loose sutures present after surgery. GPC tends to be chronic in nature. If contact lenses are the cause, it usually requires changes in contact lens wear, these changes include a reduction or discontinuation of wear, change in lens material, medication to reduce the inflammation and/or a change in lens cleaning habits. GPC will cause contact lens discomfort, excessive movement of lenses and the development of filmy coatings on the surface of the contact lens. Patients who resume contact lens wear too soon, run the risk of causing a more permanent GPC.

Vernal Conjunctivitis

A seasonal conjunctivitis of allergic origin which typically occurs more in the warm months. Patients with vernal conjunctivitis, report intense itching, the classic signs of this disorder. in addition, a very thick or stringy discharge is also experienced. Vernal conjunctivitis is allergic in nature, and symptoms are relieved through the use of antihistamines, decongestants and the judicious use of steroid drops.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis is an inflammation of this tissue, which results from viral infection. The condition might by primary (by itself) or secondary to upper respiratory infection that may present initially with a sore throat. Although there is no treatment to kill the virus, it is common to prescribe drops to decrease symptoms and prevent a secondary infection. A virus usually runs a 14-day course before resolution.

Blepharoconjunctivitis 

Blepharoconjuntivitis is an inflammation of the lid margin, and the transparent membrane that covers the inner eye lid and the eye ball. This inflammation may be caused by bacteria, virus or allergy. The symptoms include a mucus discharge (eyelids sticking together), redness, burning and a foreign body sensation. Treatment depends on the cause of the inflammation.

Epidemic Keratoconjuntivitis (EKC)

Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is an acute inflammation involving the cornea and the conjunctiva. The cause of this type of infection of the cornea and conjunctiva involves an infection from different adenoviruses. After the live virus is gone, particles left by the virus remain and may cause a hypersensitivity reaction called infiltrates. These corneal lesions may remain present for a period of months, or even up to several years. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is highly contagious. You must wash your hands, and towels and face cloths must not be shared. Therapy of EKC can include drops to improve comfort. Depending on severity, tropical steroids may be used for a short period of time to reduce inflammation and improve comfort. Children should stay home from school and adults should remain home from work because of the contagious nature of this disease.

Conjunctival Chemosis 

Conjunctival chemosis is a dramatic swelling of the tissue surrounding the eye. The appearance of the eye is often quite frightening since there are large bubbles of fluid on the surface of the eye. This inflammation is usually the result of either an acute allergic response or viral conjunctivitis. Treatment includes antihistamines, cold compress, and steroid drops. The tissue that has been stretched by the initial inflammation may take days to shrink back to its normal size.

Conjunctival Cyst (Retention Cyst)

A conjunctival cyst is a thin-wall sac or vesicle that contains fluid. This vesicle may develop either on or under the conjuntiva. Since they may resolve on their own, conjunctival cysts generally require no treatment. On occasion, it is necessary for them to be drained or treated with anti-inflammatory medications.

Ocular Pemphigoid (Pem’-fi-goid)

Ocular pemphigoid is a rare chronic inflammatory systemic condition that affects mucous membranes of the eye. There can be scarring and shrinkage of the conjuntiva which results in extreme dry eye. Treatment includes hygiene of the eyelids along with topical lubricating drops or ointments.

Pinguecula

A pinguecula is a localized, degeneration or thickening of this conjunctival tissue covering the white part of the eye. Typically, pinguecula are located on either side of the cornea but is more common on the nasal side. Pinguecula are very common in adults who spend a lot if time in sunny and/or windy environments. They consist of a fatty elastic tissue. They usually stay relatively small but they can cause inflammation of the eyes. Recent studies indicate that pinguecula may be stimulated by ultraviolet light from the sun. All spectacle eyewear corrections should contain an ultraviolet coating to help prevent further irritation. Pinguecula is a concern only from a cosmetic standpoint. Should a pinguecula become red or irritated, drops may relieve the redness or the mild irritation.

Pingueculitis

Pingueculitis describes a condition which these pinguecula becomes inflamed and swollen. This inflammation is represented by increased redness and irritation of the eye. this increased redness. The treatment for pingueculitis involves removing the sources of irritation and the application of drops.

Pterygium

Pterygium is a fleshy triangular shaped tissue located on the sides of the eye. If the condition progresses, its growth extends onto the front clear surface of the eye, the cornea. The cause of pterygia is not completely known. Like pinguecula, they are stimulated by dirty, dusty, smoky, windy, and environments and/or ultraviolet light from the sun. All spectacle eyewear corrections should not contain an ultraviolet coating.