Conjunctivitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Q: Conjunctivitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Hello： It seems that you are experiencing some discomfort in your eyes. <br>Let me clarify a few things for you： First, after accidentally hitting your eye, there may have been some minor damage, which could lead to a sensation of foreign body presence and mild pain. <br>Even if

Conjunctivitis?

Hello, doctor.
A few days ago, while wearing goggles, I accidentally hit my eye.
The goggles are similar to swimming goggles and have an elastic strap at the back.
When I released it, it snapped back and hit my face.
As a result, the frame struck my eye.
Afterwards, I felt a foreign body sensation and some pain.
However, about a week ago, I noticed that my eye had been producing discharge, but I thought it was just dried tears, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
Two days after the incident, I went to the hospital.
The doctor examined me and said there was no problem.
He mentioned that the eyeball has elasticity and that it was nothing serious.
However, when my mother came in, she told the doctor that I was in pain.
The doctor then diagnosed me with conjunctivitis and prescribed eye drops.
But my eyes are not red or swollen; I just occasionally feel pain in my left eye and right eye.
Could it be caused by my cold? Thank you, doctor.

hen chang bu kuai le, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/23

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: It seems that you are experiencing some discomfort in your eyes.
Let me clarify a few things for you: First, after accidentally hitting your eye, there may have been some minor damage, which could lead to a sensation of foreign body presence and mild pain.
Even if there is no redness or swelling, there could still be some subtle injuries or inflammation.
Secondly, you mentioned that there is discharge from your eye.
Generally, tearing is a protective response of the eye, but if the discharge persists and continues, it may indicate an underlying issue, such as conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis is typically accompanied by symptoms such as redness, burning sensation, foreign body sensation, and increased discharge, but not all cases will present all these symptoms.
Sometimes, conjunctivitis may only manifest as eye pain without significant redness.
Lastly, you mentioned that the eye pain might be due to a cold.
A cold or other upper respiratory infections can cause eye symptoms such as pain, foreign body sensation, and increased discharge.
This is because cold viruses can affect the tissues around the eyes, leading to discomfort.
Overall, your eye discomfort may be due to minor injuries from the impact and symptoms caused by the cold.
Using eye drops prescribed by a doctor may help alleviate the discomfort, but if symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Reply Date: 2024/03/23

More Info

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and lines the inside of the eyelids. Understanding conjunctivitis involves recognizing its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
The symptoms of conjunctivitis can vary depending on the underlying cause, but common signs include:
1. Redness: The eye may appear pink or red due to the dilation of blood vessels in the conjunctiva.

2. Discharge: There may be a watery or thick discharge from the eye, which can cause crusting, especially after sleep.

3. Itching or Burning: Many individuals experience itching or a burning sensation in the affected eye.

4. Tearing: Increased tear production is common.

5. Sensitivity to Light: Some people may find bright lights uncomfortable.

6. Foreign Body Sensation: A feeling that something is in the eye, which can be exacerbated by blinking.

Causes of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can be caused by various factors, including:
1. Viral Infections: This is the most common cause, often associated with colds or respiratory infections. Adenoviruses are frequently responsible.

2. Bacterial Infections: Bacterial conjunctivitis can result from various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

3. Allergies: Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes react to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.

4. Irritants: Chemicals, smoke, or foreign bodies can irritate the conjunctiva, leading to inflammation.

5. Trauma: Physical injury to the eye, such as the incident you described with the goggles, can also lead to conjunctivitis.

Treatment of Conjunctivitis
The treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its cause:
1. Viral Conjunctivitis: This type usually resolves on its own. Symptomatic relief can be provided through cool compresses and artificial tears. Antiviral medications are rarely needed.

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are typically prescribed to eliminate the infection. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve.

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis: Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops can help alleviate symptoms. Avoiding allergens is also crucial.

4. Irritant-Induced Conjunctivitis: Flushing the eye with saline or water can help remove the irritant. If symptoms persist, medical evaluation may be necessary.

Your Situation
In your case, the incident with the goggles may have caused some irritation or trauma to the eye, leading to the symptoms you are experiencing. The presence of discharge and discomfort could suggest a mild case of conjunctivitis, possibly exacerbated by your cold. The fact that your doctor did not observe significant redness or swelling may indicate that the inflammation is mild.

It's important to follow your doctor's advice regarding the use of prescribed eye drops. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience significant pain, vision changes, or increased discharge, you should seek further medical evaluation. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes, can help prevent the spread of infection and reduce symptoms.

In summary, conjunctivitis is a common condition with various causes and treatment options. Understanding the symptoms and seeking appropriate care can help manage the condition effectively. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

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