Conjunction: what is behind the eye disease

Parents know this: The child wakes up with glued eyes and can hardly open them by itself. « Not again conjunctivitis! » The reaction of mom or dad may fail. Conjunction, the technical term is conjunctivitis, is by far the most common eye disease.

It often hits toddlers and children because their immune system is under construction and her eyes are not yet fully protected.

Conjunction briefly explained

Counter meal inflammation is a reaction of the conjunctiva to different stimuli. A redness of the eyes is typical, accompanied by a possible swelling of the conjunctiva and – in some cases – also the eyelid. As part of the inflammation, the body’s defeats such as proteins and white blood cells (leukocytes) are released.

Regardless of the cause, conjunctivitis should generally be examined by a doctor. As a rule, it subsides within one to two weeks.

What is behind a conjunctivitis

Conjunction can have infectious and non-infectious causes. If the conjunctivitis is based on pathogens with pathogens, it is an infectious form of eye disease. The pathogens are usually transmitted via lubricating or droplets.

Depending on the age and immune system, different triggers are possible: viruses are the most common causers in adults, but bacteria are particularly common in childhood, mushrooms or parasites only trigger conjunctivitis in exceptional cases.

If the conjunctivitis is not infectious, the causes of allergies, medication -related irritation or environmental factors are eligible. Allergic conjunctivitis often occurs in connection with pollen flight and is then part of a so-called rhino conjunctivitis-i.e. a combination of hay fever and eye irritation. Typical are itchy, reddened and watery eyes.

Certain eye drops – especially those used against redness – can also cause inflammation if used for a long time. They reduce tear production and dry out the eye, which also contains the sensitive conjunctiva. Smoke, dust, dry heating air or chlorine water in the swimming pool are among the frequent mechanical triggers of conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

How do you recognize conjunctivitis? The symptoms of conjunctivitis can be different depending on the cause and severity. Often several complaints occur at the same time.

Reding and irritation of the eyes: Runts, burning and itchy eyes are among the most common symptoms. Often there are also increased tear flow.

Foreign body feeling: Many affected people report the feeling that there was a grain of sand in the side – particularly noticeable in the eyelid.

Sensitivity to light: Some people react sensitively to brightness, which can significantly impair everyday life.

Secretary formation: Typical is a whitish-yellow, viscous secretion, which occurs especially in the morning and can glue the eyelids. Mucilation sometimes affects the vision.

A red or swollen eye can also indicate other, sometimes more serious eye diseases. Medical clarification by an ophthalmologist is therefore generally recommended.

Treatment of conjunctivitis

The treatment of conjunctivitis usually takes place locally – directly on the person concerned. Eye drops or eye ointments that are placed in the so -called conjunctiva bag are usually used – i.e. in the space between the eyeball and lower eyelid. Which active ingredients are used depends on the cause of the inflammation.

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are often used in bacterial infections. Viral inflammation often heals on their own. The accompanying symptoms, for example strongly burning or itchy eyes, can be treated with tear substitutes.

So -called antihistamines in the form of eye drops or tablets help against allergic conjunctivitis. However, the exact therapy should always be coordinated by a doctor to ensure targeted and safe treatment.