The conjunctiva is a clear membrane that covers and protects the surface of the eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis, as the name suggests, is an infection of the conjunctiva typically caused by bacteria such as Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae, streptococcus pneumoniae, and certain strains of staphylococcus bacteria.
Children and the elderly are especially susceptible to developing conjunctivitis, and this can often become serious if not treated promptly. The symptoms can affect vision and cause severe eye irritation.
There are various symptoms that can indicate that conjunctivitis is present in the eye. Usually, the first signs that this condition may be developing is eye irritation, such as redness and a watery discharge which can cause temporary blurring of vision. A burning sensation in and around the eyes is also common.
The crusting over of the eyelids is also experienced in some cases, especially whilst sleeping. This can lead to a temporary sticking together of the eyelids, which may need bathing in warm water to open.
Causes of this condition are various strains of bacteria, which can invade the eye following eye trauma, leading to open wounds or tears in the conjunctiva where bacteria can enter the eye. Even surgical procedures can leave the eye susceptible to infections.
Viral conjunctivitis can also be present, making it harder to treat the condition as common antibacterials are not effective against viruses.
Risk factors for developing bacterial conjunctivitis include eye injury, eye surgery, poor eye hygiene, ocular inflammation, contact lens wearing, diabetes, and the use of anti-inflammatory eye drops.
An optician uses a thin beam of light to get a detailed image of the eye and the symptoms the infection is displaying. The instrument used has a microscope at one end and a thin beam of light on the other.
Viral conjunctivitis usually causes a thin watery discharge from the eye whilst bacterial conjunctivitis is accompanied by a thicker and stickier discharge which may contain pus. Inflammation within the eye and around the eye can also help confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis is with antibiotic eye drops. These are prescribed to help kill the bacteria causing the infection. Antibacterial ointments may also be administered to place on the skin around the eye, such as the top and bottom eyelids.
The aim of this dual treatment is to prevent the spread of the infection to the other eye if only one eye is affected or to rid the infection completely and prevent any complications from developing in both eyes.
Frequent hand washing can prevent cross-contamination, as can avoiding hand-to-eye contact. Avoiding sharing eye drops for other conditions and towel sharing can also help reduce the risk of spreading or developing bacterial conjunctivitis.
Prevention of this eye condition is better than cure because bacterial conjunctivitis can be hard to treat, and the possibility of reinfection is always present, especially for those who wear contact lenses or have eye injuries. Health problems like diabetes increase reinfection rate chances as well.