Conjunctivitis

There is a thin layer of cells (membrane) between the inner surface of the eyelids and the whites of the eyes, called the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis is when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed. Inflammation causes tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in the conjunctiva to become more prominent, giving the eye a red or pink look. There are three types of conjunctivitis:

Irritant conjunctivitis - something has irritated the area. It could be an eyelash that got stuck, or chlorine after a swimming in a pool. The eye(s) can become sore. People instinctively rub sore eyes, which unfortunately tends to irritate them more.

Allergic conjunctivitis - this happens when an allergen comes into contact with the eye, such as dust mites, pollen or animal fur. An allergen makes the body's immune system overreact, causing irritation and inflammation.

Infective conjunctivitis - this is caused by a bacteria or virus. A viral or bacterial infection typically makes the eyes red/pink and watery. There will be sticky coating on the eyelashes. Infective conjunctivitis accounts for 35% of all eye-related problems. Children and elderly people tend to get it more than others. Infective conjunctivitis is extremely contagious. Anybody who has such an infection should be very careful to avoid touching other people.

What are the symptoms of infective conjunctivitis?

Typically one eye will be affected first, and a few days later the other one will too - though not always. Signs and symptoms may include the following: