Irritated itchy "red" eyes full of tears are a vivid picture of developing conjunctivitis. Not everyone knows that often passing by itself, it can in some cases cause a serious ophthalmic disease. Therefore, in the event of the appearance of such symptoms, it is necessary, first of all, to consult a specialist, and then begin appropriate treatment.
Content
Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory lesion of the conjunctiva, which is manifested by overflow of blood vessels (hyperemia) and swelling of the mucous membranes of the eye, swelling and itching of the eyelids, the appearance of a pathological discharge of mucous or purulent nature.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva is a fairly common disease, about 40% of all ophthalmic diseases are lesions of the mucous membrane of the eye. This prevalence is facilitated by a large number of reasons that contribute to the development of this inflammation. The main ones are:
In the case of bactericidal infection, it manifests itself as an independent disease.
With a viral infection of the body, conjunctivitis is a secondary manifestation of the infection.
It appears most often in the case of a general weakening of the immune system and is quite rare.
Chlamydial conjunctivitis affects people diagnosed with chlamydia of the urogenital tract, and it can also develop in newborns as a result of infection during childbirth from a sick mother. It is not uncommon for a chlamydial species to develop after visiting public baths or pools.
These factors most often cause allergic conjunctivitis, which most often has a seasonal manifestation.
In addition to the main reasons mentioned, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye can occur against the background of a strong weakening of the immune system (for example, with tuberculosis, HIV), various pathologies of vision, mechanical injury to the eye, poor hygiene when wearing contact lenses, dry eye syndrome, etc.
Based on the causes of inflammation, there are 5 main types of the disease:
Regardless of the origin, the disease has manifestations characteristic of all its types. Most often it is:
In addition to the general symptoms, each type of conjunctivitis has specific manifestations, which are more specifically in the table below.
Type of conjunctivitis | Specific manifestations |
---|---|
Bacterial | Sharply appearing hyperemia of the mucosa, swelling of the eyelid, feeling of "sand" in the eyes, mucopurulent discharge, after sleep - sticky eyelashes, severe itching and burning in the eye area. Most often, one eye is affected, but over time, symptoms appear in the second. Characterized by a high level of contagion. It is transmitted through household items - towels, bedding, etc. |
Viral | Herpetic conjunctivitis: photophobia, profuse lacrimation, blepharospasm (involuntary closing of the eyelids), the appearance of watery blisters on the eyelids, as well as their redness and swelling. Adenovirus conjunctivitis: mucous discharge, burning, pain, feeling of "sand" in the eyes, redness of the conjunctiva and eyelids, increased photosensitivity, lacrimation. Both eyes are affected at once. It is transmitted through contact with the patient, through hands, household items, etc. |
Allergic | Severe itching and burning under the eyelids, increased lacrimation and photosensitivity, mucous discharge, blepharospasm may develop. Both eyes are affected at the same time. Not contagious. |
Fungal | Symptoms may vary depending on the type of mycosis that caused the inflammation. |
Chlamydial | Severe swelling of the eyelids and mucous membrane of the eye, copious secretion of mucus and pus from the conjunctival sac, an increase in the lymph node near the auricle. It is highly contagious and spreads rapidly through contact. |
Treatment of all types of the disease is based on the elimination of the causes of the inflammatory process, as well as the removal of unpleasant symptoms. For this, medications are used in the form of solutions injected into the eyes.
Below we consider the best eye solutions for viral, bacterial and allergic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes for adults, children, and pregnant women.
The active ingredient of Actipol is para-aminobenzoic acid, which has antiviral, immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. To combat adenoviral and herpetic conjunctivitis, 1-2 drops are prescribed up to 8 times a day with a gradual decrease in the frequency of use. To enhance the effect, it can be prescribed in combination with antibiotics and modified nucleosides (for example, acyclovir). You can buy Aktipol by prescription.
The cost of 5 ml: from 350 rubles.
An antiviral agent whose main active ingredients are interferon alfa-2b and diphenhydramine. Due to this composition, Oftalmoferon has a complex effect: antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-allergic. It is prescribed for adenovirus, herpetic and enteroviral conjunctivitis. The dosage is 1-2 drops up to 8 times a day in the acute stage and reduced to 3 times a day as symptoms subside. Sold without a prescription.
The cost of 10 ml: from 290 rubles.
The composition of these Sofradex includes the antibiotics framycetin sulfate and gramicidin in combination with the glucocorticosteroid dexamethasone (a hormone), which are responsible for the antibacterial properties of the drug.Efficacy against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, streptococci, staphylococci, etc. has been proven. The course is 7 days, during which the recommended dosage is 1-2 drops 6 or more times a day. Suitable for the treatment of children from 7 years. Sold by prescription.
The cost of 5 ml: from 290 rubles.
Broad spectrum antibacterial solution based on hydrochloride monohydrate. Effective against enterobacteria, aerobic, gram-negative, gram-positive and intracellular (chlamydia) pathogens. It is prescribed for acute bacterial conjunctivitis. It is used 1-2 drops every 2 hours at the onset of the disease, gradually the dosage is reduced to 1-2 drops every 4 hours. Ciprofloxacin is well tolerated by most patients; in rare cases, an allergic reaction is possible in the form of burning and redness of the sclera, slight swelling of the eyelids. The use of the solution is possible for the treatment of inflammation of the conjunctiva in children older than 1 year. Released without a prescription.
The cost of a bottle of 10 ml: from 38 rubles.
The active substance chloramphenicol is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that perfectly copes with most infectious ophthalmic diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. The course is no more than 5 days. Dosage - 1-2 drops up to 4 times a day.
The cost of 10 ml: from 77 rubles.
The active ingredient in this antibacterial drug is ciprofloxacin. Effective in the fight against the following microorganisms: streptococci, staphylococci, gonococci, chlamydia, Escherichia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, salmonella, etc. The dosage depends on the severity of the disease and can vary from 4 to 8 times a day, 1 drop.
The cost of 5 ml: from 120 rubles.
The main component of Okomistin is miramistin, an antiseptic with a bright antimicrobial effect. It is effective against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.Also, in combination with antibiotics, it helps to fight chlamydia, pathogenic fungi, adenovirus, herpes virus. The dosage is 1-2 drops up to 6 times a day. It is used to treat children from 3 years.
The cost of 10 ml: from 170 rubles.
The active ingredient in this drug is olopatadine, which is a selective blocker of histamine H1 receptors. It is characterized by a pronounced antiallergic effect. The dosage is the same for adults and children over 3 years old - 1 drop 2 times a day. Sold by prescription.
The cost of 5 ml: from 496 rubles.
Antiallergic drug based on azelastine hydrochloride - a blocker of histamine H1 receptors. Allergodil is used for the prevention and treatment of both seasonal and year-round allergic conjunctivitis. Dosage - 1 drop 2 to 4 times a day. The use of Allergodil is possible in children older than 4 years. Released without a doctor's prescription.
The cost of 6 ml: from 480 rubles.
The composition of Okumetil includes 3 active ingredients: zinc sulfate, naphazoline hydrochloride and diphenhydramine hydrochloride. This combination of active substances simultaneously provides astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, vasoconstrictive and anti-allergic action. To obtain a positive result, it is enough to instill 1 drop in the eyes 3 times a day for 3 days. Sold without a prescription.
The cost of 10 ml: from 275 rubles.
Babies are most often prone to bacterial conjunctivitis. Consider the most effective medicines in the form of drops to combat this type of disease.
An antimicrobial drug, the main active ingredient of which is picloxidine dihychloride.It is active against most pathogens of bacterial infections that affect the anterior part of the eyes. The course is 10 days, during which 1 drop should be instilled 2 to 6 times a day. Vitabact is sold in a sealed polyethylene bottle with a dropper. It is prescribed for the treatment of children from birth. Sold without a prescription.
The cost of 10 ml: from 368 rubles.
The active substance in the preparation is tobramycin, which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is active against most Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria. At the same time, it does little to help with inflammation caused by group D streptococci. The dosage is selected individually depending on the course of the disease, on average 1 drop 4-5 times a day. This dosage is prescribed for both adults and children from 1 year. May be used to treat newborns. Sold without a prescription.
The cost of 5 ml: from 183 rubles.
Antibacterial agent based on sulfacetamide. It is active against most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as chlamydia, Escherichia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is produced in different concentrations: 10% for newborns and infants, 20 and 30% for older than 6 years and adults, respectively. The dosage is 2-3 drops 3 times a day.
The cost of 10 ml: from 42 rubles.
An antiallergic agent based on antazolin hydrochloride and tetrizoline hydrochloride. This composition of the drug allows it to work in two directions: on the one hand, it blocks H1-histamine receptors and relieves itching, on the other hand, it constricts blood vessels, thereby relieving hyperemia and swelling of the conjunctiva. Dosage depends on age: 1 drop 1 time per day for children, 2-3 times per day for adults. It is used for treatment from 2 years. Released in pharmacies freely.
The cost of 10 ml: from 1640 rubles.
Also, to relieve unpleasant symptoms caused by allergies, in children, Allergodil (from 4 years old) and Okumetil (from 2 years old) described in preparations for adults can be used. With viral inflammation of the conjunctiva, Aktipol can be prescribed to children, but only after consulting a specialist.
Pregnant women should be especially careful when choosing medicines, because many of them are allowed for use only conditionally. Of the above, the safest for women in position are the following:
Conjunctivitis is a disease, although very unpleasant, but completely curable. It is important not to experiment on yourself and not self-medicate. When the first unpleasant symptoms appear, it is important to contact an ophthalmologist to determine the type of inflammation and its source. It is worth using drugs only according to the instructions, even those that are sold without a prescription. To prevent the onset of the disease, do not neglect hygiene measures, wash your hands more often, touch your eyes less with your hands, especially on the street and in public places, do not use other people's makeup cosmetics and your look will always be clean and clear.