Red eye (conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis is a common condition that causes redness and inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye called the conjunctiva. Thus, the name conjunctiv-it-is. In St Vincent and the Grenadines and some other places, people often refer to conjunctivitis as ‘red eye’. In other places it is referred to as ‘pink eye’.

Other than the eyes being red, it may be accompanied by itchiness and watering of the eyes. Sometimes a sticky coating forms on the eyelids, especially when you wake up in the morning. This can cause your eyelids to stick together and it may be painful to open your eyes. Conjunctivitis can affect one eye at first, but usually both eyes are affected.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by biological, chemical and physical agents. For example, by bacteria or viruses – this is called infective conjunctivitis. It can also be caused by an allergic reaction to substances such as pollen or dust mites – this is known as allergic conjunctivitis. Also, it can occur when the eye comes into contact with things that can irritate the conjunctiva, such as shampoo or chlorinated water, or a loose eyelash rubbing against the eye – this is known as irritant conjunctivitis.

Several Caribbean countries are reporting outbreaks of red eye. This outbreak, from all indication, appears to be infective conjunctivitis, caused by some circulating virus. It is important therefore that proper sanitary measures be put in place to prevent further spread.

Treatment is not usually needed for conjunctivitis, because the symptoms often clear up within a couple of weeks. If treatment is needed, the type of treatment will depend on the cause. In severe cases, antibiotic eye drops can be used to clear the infection. Irritant conjunctivitis will clear up as soon as whatever is causing it is removed. Allergic conjunctivitis can usually be treated with anti-allergy medications, such as antihistamines.

It’s best not to wear contact lenses until the symptoms have cleared up. Any sticky or crusty coating on the eyelids or lashes can be cleansed with cotton wool and water. Washing your hands regularly and not sharing pillows or towels will help prevent it from spreading.

Conjunctivitis can be a frustrating condition, but in most cases, it does not pose a serious threat to health. Complications of conjunctivitis are rare, but when they do occur, some can be serious. Remember, do not touch or rub the infected eye(s). Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.

Dr Rosmond Adams, MD is a medical doctor and a public health specialist. He is also an ethicist with training in research ethics and medical ethics. He is the head of Health Information, Communicable Disease and Emergency Response at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

He is also a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Coordination Mechanism (GCM) on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

(The views expressed here are not written on behalf of CARPHA nor the WHO)