Diagnostics
If an eye is reddened and watery, an ophthalmologist must be consulted. This doctor will investigate the cause of the irritation of the eye and select the appropriate therapy. If the conjunctivitis is contagious, it is important here to take measures against infection of people in the vicinity of the affected person.
After a conversation (anamnesis), in which allergies, foreign bodies in the eye, injuries, use of contact lenses and the like are questioned, the eye is then examined. By means of a so-called slit lamp, which works with bundled light, the doctor can accurately assess changes in the conjunctiva. It can also be seen whether there is any involvement of the iris (iris) or the ciliary bodies.
The eyelids are carefully folded over during the examination, so that internal causes for the inflammation can also be determined. A smear is taken to determine whether the infection was caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. If an uncomplicated bacterial conjunctivitis is present, it is treated with antibiotic-containing eye drops after the pathogen has been identified.
The symptoms disappear after a few days. However, if the treatment is then discontinued prematurely by the patient, the infection (possibly even with resistance to the antibiotic) can break out again. It is therefore absolutely necessary to continue the therapy until the end of the treatment.
If a viral conjunctivitis is present, it usually takes a longer time and can last for weeks until the infection is completely healed. Home remedies can be helpful against the symptoms such as itching, pain, burning, tears and/or dryness. Especially in immunocompromised people, conjunctivitis can take a severe course and is still the most common cause of blindness in developing countries.
