Conjunctivitis can affect one or both of the eyes. Symptoms of Conjunctivitis include:
- Redness of the eye with swelling of the eyelids
- Pain such as a burning sensation, throbbing or aching in eyes
- Watering of eyes
- White or yellow discharge in eyes causing them to stick together in the morning
- A gritty feeling in eye that may cause an itching or burning sensation
- Blurring of vision that clears on blinking, caused by discharge around the eyes
- Hypersensitivity to light
When allergy is the cause, symptoms of hay fever such as sneezing, runny, itchy nose and itchiness at the back of your throat will also be present along with symptoms of Conjunctivitis.
CLASSIFICATION
Conjunctivitis is classified depending upon the causative factors and extent of involvement.
Based on the Causative Factors, it is classified into:
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Infectious Conjunctivitis:
It is either bacterial or viral in origin and spreads to the other eye when one eye is infected. It also spreads to people coming in contact with the affected person.
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Non-infectious Conjunctivitis:
This is common among people who suffer from other types of allergic disease such as hay fever, asthma and eczema. It is often caused by pollen, dust mites, smoke and cosmetics. Reactive conjunctivitis usually occurs as a result of reaction to chemicals or other irritants, such as chlorine in swimming pools.
Based on the Extent of Involvement, Conjunctivitis is classified into:
- Blepharo-conjunctivitis: It is the combination of conjunctivitis with blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).
- Keratoconjunctivitis: It is the combination of conjunctivitis and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea).
