The conjunctiva is the transparent mucous membrane that covers the outer surface of the eye, and the inside lining of the eyelids. The conjunctiva is responsible for producing a mucous that helps thin the tears produced by the eye and assist in keeping the eye moist. Conjunctivitis is a condition where the mucous membrane of the eye and eye lid becomes inflamed or swollen and is also known as pinkeye. Another not so commonly known term for conjunctivitis is madras eye. The term madras eye came from the discovery of the adenovirus which is one of the causes of pink eye in Madras India in the early 20th century.
Adenoviruses, Staphylococcal, and Streptococcal Bacteria
Adenoviruses are the cause of upper respiratory illnesses and the common cold. An adenovirus travels through the mucous membranes of the body including the lungs, throat, nose, tear ducts, and conjunctiva when one is infected with an upper respiratory infection. In addition to the adenovirus, conjunctivitis is also caused by dryness, chemical exposure, allergic reactions, and bacteria. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), “conjunctivitis is an infection most often caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria from your own skin or respiratory system”.
The bacterial and viral forms of pink eye are extremely contagious and often contracted through exposure to respiratory secretions. This happens when the secretions are transmitted into the air by coughing and sneezing, or the secretions are transferred to the hands when blowing the nose or using hands to cover a cough. Then the germs are transferred to computer keyboards, cell phones, and faucet handles, door knobs and other inanimate objects from contaminated hands or as the respiratory secretions fall out of the air.
The Symptoms of Conjunctivitis, Pink Eye and Madras Eye
The symptoms of conjunctivitis are difficult to ignore as they often worsen quickly and although not every form of pink eye requires medical treatment it is important that a primary care physician or ophthalmologist be consulted whenever one experiences any of the symptoms of pink eye. Pink eye may only affect one eye initially, but due to the highly contagious nature of the infection often both eyes may be affected before it resolves.
The symptoms of conjunctivitis may include any of the following:
- A pink or red discoloration of the eye
- Swelling and redness to the eyelids
- Excessive mucous discharge
- Crusty exudate on the eye lids
- Burning or scratchy feeling when one blinks
- Intense itching sensation
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred vision
Good Hand Washing and Environmental Disinfection is Key
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) “the adenovirus is unusually stable to chemical and physical agents and to adverse pH conditions, thus allowing for prolonged survival outside of the body.” Due to its survivability outside the body for long periods the adenovirus often infects multiple people in a home, school, or work environment (sometimes repeatedly). The CDC recommends “strict attention to good infection-control practices, including contact and droplet precautions, is effective for stopping nosocomial outbreaks of adenovirus-associated disease, such as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis”.
One of the best methods to preventing the spread of conjunctivitis is by proper hand washing with soap and water at frequent intervals. Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer in between washing hands, and avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth. When sneezing, sneeze into the crook of the elbow rather than hands or a tissue. Always wash hands after sneezing, coughing or blowing the nose and before eating, drinking, or smoking. Be sure to properly disinfection of the surrounding environment (doorknobs, keyboards, and other inanimate objects) at home, school or work where conjunctivitis is an issue to kill the virus or bacterium causing the infection.
Sources
- American Optometric Association “Conjunctivitis” (accessed April 18, 2011).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Adenoviruses” (accessed April 19, 2011).
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