Definition

The conjunctiva is a clear layer covering the eyeball and eyelids. It serves to protect the eyeball from germs and s in eye movement. Conjunctivitis, an inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva, can be triggered by various factors, including infections, dry eyes, and allergies. Children experience conjunctivitis more frequently than adults.

Conjunctivitis can be transmitted through direct contact (touching the eye fluid of an infected person) or indirect contact (using tissues, cloths, or towels that have been used by someone with conjunctivitis).

Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease worldwide. According to the 2009 Indonesian Health Profile, conjunctivitis and other conjunctival disorders are among the top 10 most common outpatient diseases. Conjunctivitis spread statistics vary substantially by age, gender, and time. Data from health services in the United States indicates that conjunctivitis is particularly prevalent in children under seven years old, with the highest incidence among those aged 0 to 4 years. It is also common in women aged 22 and men aged 28.

Causes

Conjunctivitis can be caused by various agents, including:

• Viruses, including those causing the flu (80% of conjunctivitis cases are viral infections)
• Bacteria
• Irritants from objects such as shampoo, dust, smoke, and chlorine in swimming pools
• Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, smoke, and contact lenses
• Fungi, amoeba, and parasites

Risk Factor

Certain behaviors and conditions can increase the risk of developing conjunctivitis, such as not washing hands and frequently touching the eyes, using tissues or towels previously used by someone with conjunctivitis, and not cleaning contact lenses properly. Dry eyes, which reduce the protective tear film on the eyeball, can also increase the risk of conjunctivitis.

Symptoms

Conjunctivitis can cause the following symptoms:

• Eye redness
• Sticky eyelids, especially in the morning (if caused by bacteria)
• Foreign body sensation in the eye
• Eye pain
• Itchy eyes
• Constant watery eyes
• Eye discharge with varying colors, from clear to greenish-yellow, that sticks to the eyelashes
• Presence of similar symptoms in people around you
• History of cough and runny nose a few previous days

Vision is generally not disturbed or only slightly affected by the amount of eye discharge. Immediate medical attention is necessary if eye redness is accompanied by blurred vision and pain.

Diagnosis

A doctor will inquire about your symptoms, allergy history, recent colds, and any changes in vision. If necessary, a swab of the eye fluid may be taken to identify the causative germ, whether it is bacteria, virus, parasyte, or fungi. Identifying the germ type is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment.

Management

Allergy

If you have allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor will prescribe eye drops to mitigate the allergic reaction. Applying a cold compress can help relieve symptoms. It is crucial to avoid contact with objects or irritants that trigger the allergy. Do not continue treatment without a doctor's guidance.

Virus

Viruses are the most common cause of conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis typically does not cause severe symptoms and can resolve without medication within 7 to 14 days. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so maintaining personal hygiene is essential to prevent spreading the infection. Dispose of tissues used to clean eye discharge immediately and avoid sharing towels to reduce the risk of transmission.

Bacteria 

For bacterial conjunctivitis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to combat the infection. In some mild cases, the condition may improve within 2 days to 2 weeks without additional treatment. It is important to discuss therapy options with your doctor.

Home Remedies 

If you experience conjunctivitis, follow these steps:

• Apply warm compresses to the eyes if they feel itchy or painful
• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face and eyes
• Use clean hands and a cloth or tissue to clean mucus from your eyes several times a day. Dispose of or wash the cloth or tissue after use
• Clean pillowcases, cloths, and towels exposed to eye fluid with warm water and detergent
• Do not use the same eye drops in the unaffected eye
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes excessively, as this can worsen the condition
• Temporarily stop using contact lenses until your doctor approves their use
• Regularly clean your glasses

Complications

Conjunctivitis rarely leads to serious complications, particularly after taking antibiotics for bacterial conjunctivitis. However, some types caused by specific germs, such as N. gonorrhea, Chlamydia sp., and the Herpes Zoster Virus, can cause corneal injury, resulting in long-term complications that can affect vision.

Allergic conjunctivitis generally does not cause serious complications but can significantly interfere with daily activities due to its tendency to recur with continuous allergen exposure. Prolonged exposure can potentially lead to long-term vision problems.

Prevention

Conjunctivitis can spread through close personal contact, such as touching, shaking hands, or touching contaminated surfaces. Good personal hygiene can help prevent conjunctivitis. Preventive measures include:

• Regularly changing pillowcases
• Keeping contact lenses clean
• Washing hands thoroughly with the WHO's 5 steps, especially after activities or contact with infected individuals
• Avoid the use of towels, tissues, or makeup tools used by others
• Avoid frequently touching your eyes, especially with dirty hands

When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if you experience red eyes with severe pain, fever, chills, blisters around the eyes, blurred vision that does not improve with washing, thick white or greenish eye discharge, symptoms in a baby under 24 hours old, symptoms not improving within a week or 24 hours after starting antibiotics, or if you have underlying conditions like HIV infection.

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