Viral conjunctivitis. Treatment and prevention

Inflammatory disease that engulfedconjunctiva of the eye (mucous membrane) is called conjunctivitis. Depending on the causes of the occurrence, the type of pathogen the disease can have bacterial, viral and allergic nature. All three types require compulsory treatment. Especially infectious bacterial and viral conjunctivitis. Treatment is established by the ophthalmologist at internal survey. Self-treatment of eye diseases leads to the development of a number of complications or facilitates their transition to a chronic form.

Allergic conjunctivitis is enoughis widespread, it affects both eyes and is characterized by such symptoms as redness, itching, lacrimation, burning, swelling of the eyelids. Its manifestations are often seasonal in nature. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by staphylococci and streptococci. Its characteristic features are purulent discharge and mucosal edema. Conjunctivitis of the viral nature often accompanies catarrhal diseases. Its main symptoms are irritation and reddening of the eyes, severe lachrymation.

Depending on the type of pathogen viralconjunctivitis is isolated, caused by adenovirus, Coxsackie virus, enterovirus, herpes simplex, or it accompanies systemic viral infections (measles, rubella, chicken pox, mumps, and others). Inflammatory disease more often covers both eyes simultaneously. Infection of only one eye is rare, since high contagiosity is one of the characteristics characterizing viral conjunctivitis. Treatment at the first sign of the disease should be carried out immediately, because the virus is easily transmitted by contact.

The incubation period of the disease can last from4 to 12 days. At its end, the conjunctiva of the eyelids can form follicles, there is an increase in blood vessels, nerve endings in the eye area become irritated, which causes redness, lacrimation, itching. The appearance of serous discharge in one eye often and quickly spreads to the other eye. Foreign body sensation, photophobia, corneal opacity, which can cause visual impairment, also often characterize viral conjunctivitis. Treatment of the disease largely depends on its causes and the type of viral infections. With the development of conjunctivitis against the background of such viral diseases as rubella, measles, influenza, chickenpox, the main direction of the treatment course is the elimination of the underlying disease. Additionally, eye drops with interferon, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory infusions of herbs for eye washing are prescribed.

Adenovirus, enterovirus or infection of the virusCoxsackie - the main pathogens of viral conjunctivitis. Lead among them adenoviruses. They are transmitted by airborne droplets and affect not only the eyes, but also the nasopharynx. Most often adenoviral conjunctivitis occurs in children's groups and is manifested by high fever, swelling and reddening of the eyelids, eyes, meager, non-uniform separated from them. After diagnosing this type of disease, the doctor determines the tactics and duration of treatment. The main drug for conjugivitis adenovirus type - antiviral eye drops with interferon ("Ophthalmoron", "Poludan", "Aktipol"). Additionally, anti-inflammatory ointments may be prescribed, before use, it is recommended to wash eyes with herbal infusions recommended by a doctor.

The herpetic appearance of viral conjunctivitis canhit only one eye. He is characterized by a slow process of inflammation with little symptomatology. Specific signs of this type of disease are tearing, itching, photophobia, herpetic eruptions on the eyelids and skin at the eyes, scanty, purulent wards. Their manifestations in different variations can be explained by different forms (catarrhal, follicular, vesicular-ulcerative) in which the herpetic viral conjunctivitis is expressed. Treatment is often done in conditions hospital.

An obligatory component of the course of treatment of viral conjunctivitis, regardless of the age category, are antiviral drugs, vitamin therapy, immunomodulators.

In order to prevent the disease,it is enough to observe basic hygiene, use of personal household items. After contact with people who have pronounced symptoms of conjunctivitis, it is recommended that hand washing and preventive instillation of eyes with antimicrobial drops be recommended.