Which symptoms indicate conjunctivitis?
July 28, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Laura Bergmann
Dear doctor,
My name is Otto Gehrmann and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing problems with my eyes for the past few days and I am not sure what the cause could be. I have noticed that my eyes are red, especially in the area of the conjunctiva. Additionally, I feel a strong itching and burning sensation, which is particularly intensified when blinking or in contact with light. My eyes are tearing more than usual and I feel as if there is dust or a foreign object in them. Furthermore, my eyelids are swollen and stick together in the mornings.
These symptoms are concerning to me and are impacting my daily life as they are affecting my vision and hindering me in my work. I have already tried to soothe my eyes with cold compresses and use eye drops for redness, but these measures have not brought any improvement so far.
Can you please tell me if these symptoms could indicate conjunctivitis? If so, what are the treatment options and how long does it typically take for the symptoms to improve? Are there any specific measures I can take at home to relieve my eyes and support healing?
Thank you in advance for your help and I am available for further information at any time.
Best regards,
Otto Gehrmann
Dear Mr. Gehrmann,
Thank you for your message and trust in my expertise. The symptoms you described do indeed indicate a conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is a common condition caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin mucous membrane that covers the eye. There are various causes of conjunctivitis, including infections, allergies, irritants such as smoke or chemicals, and dry eyes.
Red, itchy, and burning eyes, increased tearing, feeling of a foreign body in the eye, and swollen eyelids are typical symptoms of conjunctivitis. If the symptoms have been present for several days and have not improved with cold compresses or eye drops, it is advisable to see an eye doctor to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the cause. For infectious conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops or ointments may be prescribed to fight the infection. For allergic conjunctivitis, antiallergic eye drops or antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms. For irritant-induced conjunctivitis, it is important to avoid contact with the irritating substances.
In addition to medical treatment, there are measures you can take at home to relieve your eyes and support healing. These include regularly cleaning the eyelids with warm water, avoiding contact lenses and makeup, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet. It is also important to stay hydrated to keep the eyes moist.
Typically, the symptoms of conjunctivitis will improve within a few days to weeks, depending on the cause and effectiveness of treatment. However, it is important to follow the treatment consistently and see a doctor if symptoms persist to avoid potential complications.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for further questions.
Best regards,
Laura Bergmann
