The triggers are usually viruses, bacteria or an allergy
Vienna (OTS) – If the eyes are red, burning or itchy or there is a feeling of a foreign body, conjunctivitis may be responsible. The causes are diverse. The pollen season begins in spring, which causes problems for many people. “If these symptoms are accompanied by swelling of the conjunctiva or eyelids, an allergy is the most likely cause,” says Prim. Priv. Doc. Dr. Katharina Krepler, President of the Scientific Association of Austrian Ophthalmologists, ÖOG.
Trigger: Allergy
Allergies can be triggered by pollen, but also by cosmetics that are applied around the eyes. The redness of the eyeball occurs because the fine blood vessels in the conjunctiva expand during conjunctivitis, causing it to appear red. “In the case of allergic conjunctivitis, self-treatment is often sufficient, for example by rinsing the eyes with saline solution and instilling nourishing, moisturizing eye drops,” continues Krepler. In addition, anti-allergic eye drops can be administered. In severe cases with additional symptoms, antihistamines in tablet form are prescribed to relieve the symptoms.
Trigger: bacteria
If, in addition to redness, burning and the feeling of a foreign body, a thick, mucous or purulent secretion is also secreted and the eyelashes are stuck together in the morning, this may be a problem bacterial Conjunctivitis is present. The adhesions should then be removed using a clean cotton pad with warm water. Krepler also recommends nourishing and possibly mucous membrane decongestant eye drops, which can be obtained from the pharmacy without a prescription. If the symptoms last longer than three to four days, you should consult an ophthalmologist, who will usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops that are effective against the most common types of bacteria. Less commonly, conjunctivitis is caused by infections with bacteria such as chlamydia and gonococci, which are transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Trigger: viruses
In addition to allergies and bacteria, viruses can also trigger conjunctivitis. At a S Inflammation is the secretion that is secreted, not purulent but watery. Those affected often also have a general feeling of illness, a cold with a sore throat or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or ear area. These symptoms can be due to illness caused by various types of viruses (adenoviruses, influenza viruses, or corona viruses). Herpes viruses can also trigger eye inflammation. In this case, vision can also be limited if the transparent cornea is affected. Repeated infection of the eyes by herpes viruses can lead to scarring of the cornea and permanent vision damage. In the case of viral conjunctivitis, the symptoms are relieved with decongestant and nourishing eye drops or treated with antiviral eye drops, which must be prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Hygiene is particularly important to avoid infecting the other eye or passing it on to other people. Conjunctivitis caused by adenoviruses, the highly contagious “epidemic conjunctivitis,” is particularly sensitive. In this case, a sick note of two weeks is usually required.
Other triggers
Sometimes conjunctivitis can also be caused by irritation of the surface of the eye caused by dust, sand, UV light or contact lenses worn for too long. “The ophthalmological examination always includes an anamnesis with a review of the symptoms and course, as well as an examination of the eyes at the slit lamp. In stubborn cases, a conjunctival swab is also taken to identify the pathogen. To prevent conjunctivitis, you should pay attention to hand hygiene, wear safety glasses when working in dusty areas and wear sunglasses with UV protection at the sea and in the mountains,” concluded ÖOG President Krepler.
You can find more information on the topic on the ÖOG website
Questions & Contact:
Austrian Ophthalmological Society (ÖOG)
The Austrian ophthalmologists
Ingrid Wallner, MBA
Tel.: 0660/275 79 35
Email: ingrid.wallner@augen.at
www.augen.at
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