Your health with Pharmacist Advice

Children's Health - Conjunctivitis

DEFINITION

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane which lines the inner surface of the eyelid)(1).

DESCRIPTION

There are a number of causes of Conjunctivitis.

 

INFECTIVE CONJUNCTIVITIS:

  • Bacterial infection is the most common form of Conjunctivitis. It is very contagious and will almost always infect both eyes. Acute bacterial Conjunctivitis develops rapidly over a day or two and causes eye discomfort, a pussy discharge from the eyes and the eyelids sticking together.
  • Viral infection can also cause conjunctivitis, sometimes accompanying a cold or a childhood infection such as measles. This type of Conjunctivitis results in a clear discharge and eyelid swelling. There is no itching.
  • Chlamydial infection may cause trachoma (a type of conjunctivitis) and may lead to blindness(2).
  • Fungal infection is rare.

 

ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS:

  • Allergic Conjunctivitis is caused by an allergens such as cosmetics or pollens. It is characterised by itching, redness and watering of the eye. There may be a clear, ropy discharge and some eyelid swelling.
  • Other causes of Conjunctivitis are chemical irritation (such as wind, dust, smoke or other pollutants) or intense light (sunlamps, snow reflection or electric arcs in welding).

All forms of Conjunctivitis may have similar symptoms to some degree or another. Some of the signs to watch for include a clear, green or yellow discharge from the eye, redness, gritty feeling in the eye, sensitivity to bright light and itching. A sticky crust may be deposited on the eyelashes and sometimes the eye is very hard to open because of this discharge. The crust can be washed off with warm water using a cotton-bud.

HEALTH MANAGEMENT

  • As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat this condition.
  • The symptoms Conjunctivitis can often be confused with acute iritis and glaucoma and it is important that a correct diagnosis is given.
  • The usual treatment given by a Doctor for bacterial Conjunctivitis is a prescription for antibiotic eye drops.
  • For allergic Conjunctivitis an antihistamine and/or a vasoconstrictor eye drop may be suggested.

PHARMACIST

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

  1. Follow the Diet Hints.
  2. Your Pharmacist might suggest a suitable antibacterial eye drop or ointment. Remember that eye drops have a limited shelf life once opened.
  3. Use cotton buds to help clear any matter from around the eye. Use them only once as Conjunctivitis is contagious.
  4. If Conjunctivitis is caused by an allergy an antihistamine eye drop might be suggested. Ask your Pharmacist. An artificial tear drop may also be suggested for relief.
  5. Wear sunglasses in direct sunlight because infected eyes may be sensitive to light.
  6. If the ailment is not responding to treatment see your Doctor.
  7. Avoid eye makeup where possible as cosmetics might cause complications.
    Referral: Patients should be referred to a Doctor if one eye only is affected, there is redness around the cornea or if the problem does not improve after two to three days of treatment(3).

DIET HINTS

  • Include foods rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and zinc and are found in fresh fruits and vegetables, garlic, pumpkin seeds, oysters, citrus fruits, wheatgerm and nuts. Carrots, pumpkin, mangoes, apricots and corn are suggested for their vitamin A content(4).
  • Avoid or reduce sugars, white flour products, high fat foods and processed foods.
  • Increase consumption of garlic. Garlic is good for the immune system and is a natural antibiotic.
  • Increase intake of onions as these are high in quercetin.
  • Blueberries are beneficial due to their high content of bioflavonoids.
  • Juices such as carrot, spinach, beet and cucumber are recommended.
  • Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Vitamins and minerals are only of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.

  • Fennel water applied externally may be beneficial for Conjunctivitis. Loose compresses are applied and changed frequently, or the eyes are bathed in the liquid.(5)
  • Eyebright as a decoction can be poured on a compress and used on the affected eyes. This may give rapid relief to redness, swelling and visual disturbances. Eyebright tea may be given internally at the same time.(6)
  • Vitamin A may be useful in the management of Conjunctivitis.(7)
  • Vitamin D may be beneficial in the management of Conjunctivitis(8).

NOTES

Sometimes the tear duct in the eye of a baby becomes blocked and this might be a contributing factor for Conjunctivitis.
Have your baby examined by your Doctor.