Conjunctivitis affects the eye area and can occur in babies, children and adults. Below are the three different types of conjunctivitis and some useful tips if you or someone in your family has conjunctivitis. You can always talk to us to ask advice, either come in to see us or telephone on 0113 257 0400 or email us at info@pudseypharmacy.co.uk
| IRRITANT CONJUNCTIVITIS |
Occurs when an irritant, such as chlorine, or an eyelash, gets into your eyes. This makes your eyes sore and if you rub them, it can make the soreness even worse. Ask your pharmacist for advice and treatment options. |
ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS |
| Occurs when your eye comes into contact with an 'allergen', causing irritation & inflammation. Ask your pharmacist for advice and treatment options. |
| INFECTIVE CONJUNCTIVITIS |
| Caused by virus or bacteria. You may notice a sticky coating on your eyelashes, particularly in the morning, which can make your eyes feel like they are stuck together. Responsible for 35% of all eye-related problems recorded in GP surgeries. Most common in children and the elderly. |
Symptoms & Diagnosis
In most cases your GP or Pharmacist will be able to diagnose the condition from your symptoms and by examination. Red, swollen eyes, which are covered in a sticky discharge, are very common features of infective conjunctivitis. The symptoms of infective conjunctivitis will normally begin in one eye.
These may include:
- Reddening of the affected eye(s)
- Watering eyes
- Sticky coating on eyelashes
- Slight soreness
- Swollen eyelids
Treatment
As most infections will heal without treatment within one to two weeks, your GP may not initially prescribe any particular medicines or treatment for you. If you have infective conjunctivitis, you can treat your condition at home. Follow the guidelines, outlined below, they should help to speed your recovery.
- Remove contact lenses – until 24 hrs after the infection has cleared
- Lubricant eye drops – available over the counter from pharmacies
- Gently clean away sticky substances – using cotton wool soaked in water
- Wash your hands regularly – to avoid cross infection
If your GP decides that antibiotics are necessary for your treatment, there are two main types of antibiotics which may be prescribed. These are outlined below.
- Chloramphenicol - is the first choice antibiotic for severe infective conjunctivitis. In the form of an eye drop, which is taken every two hours, for two days, and then every four hours for five days (but only while you are awake). This is also available to buy from a pharmacy.
- Fusidic acid - this is usually prescribed if chloramphenicol is not suitable for you. It comes in the form of viscous eye drops, which normally have to be used twice a day, for seven days
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