Red Eyes (Conjunctivitis), A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

Red Eyes (Conjunctivitis) is a medical disorder that produces inflammation of the conjunctiva (the white of the eye and inner lining of eyelids). It is one of the most frequent and treatable eye infections in children and adults. Eye redness is most often the result of swollen or dilated blood vessels. This causes the surface of the eye look red or bloodshot. There are many reasons of a red eye or eyes. Some (such as glaucoma) are medical emergencies and some are a cause for worry, but not an emergency. Causes: Infectious a. Bacteria b. Viruses Noninfectious. a. Allergic conjunctivitis (caused by an allergic reaction) b. Irritant conjunctivitis (caused by anything that irritates the eyes), such as irritating substances (shampoos, dirt, haze particles, smoke, and particularly pool chlorine). Treatment is by: Protect the eyes from dirt and other irritating substances. Do not use contact lenses, if the patient wears them. Place cold compresses on the eyes. Wash the face and eyelids with mild soap or baby shampoo and rinse with water to remove irritating substances. Do not rub the eyes with hands that are not washed. Do not use the same bottle of drops in the other eye if it is not infected. Bacterial conjunctivitis is normally treated with prescription antibiotic drops or ointment. In March this year, my second grand-daughter was helping her friend in school to apply some eye drops for her mild conjunctivitis. After school she came as usual to my house to play with her cousin (9 months old baby from my second daughter). She later in the afternoon felt uncomfortable in the eyes and asked me to take a look at her eyes to see whether she had conjunctivitis. She did have dilated blood vessels in the conjunctiva or the white of the eyes on both sides. I gave her some eye…