In Nigeria, there is a myth regarding conjunctivitis, or apolo as many Nigerians refer to it. Most Nigerians subconsciously close their eyes when they see someone who has conjunctivitis because they think the infection will move to their eyes, just by staring.
That isn’t true, though; in fact, the logic is quite laughable. Since I was raised around people who engaged in this habit, I must admit that sometimes I catch myself shutting my eyes when I see someone who has conjunctivitis. In this article, we’ll learn about conjunctivitis, its transmission mechanisms, and symptoms.
What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, often known as pink eyes, is an eye infection that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent tissue that covers the white area of the eye.
Types of Conjunctivitis
There are several types of conjunctivitis which have their distinct characteristics and causes. Let’s look at them.
Infectious conjunctivitis: This is the most common kind of infection, with two subtypes: viral conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis is more commonly transmitted than bacterial conjunctivitis. This subtype is caused by adenovirus.
Viral conjunctivitis is very contagious and typically spreads via direct or indirect contact with infected eye fluids.
Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis
- Watery discharge
- Redness
- A gritty feeling in the eye
On the other side, bacterial conjunctivitis is less common but more serious than viral conjunctivitis. It is caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.
Symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis
- A thick, yellow-green discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: This kind of conjunctivitis is brought on by substances that can trigger allergic reactions, as the name implies. Examples of these substances or allergens are dust mites, pollen, and animal dander. It is often thought that conjunctivitis has a specific season since allergic conjunctivitis typically occurs in the spring and summer, when pollen counts are highest. It’s what most Nigerians refer to as “Apollo season.” On the other hand, allergic conjunctivitis is treatable and not contagious. Conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, but at times one eye may be more badly affected than the other, which makes it appear smaller.
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis
- Intense itching
- Redness
- Watery eyes
- Swell
- Stringy or sticky discharge
Irritant Conjunctivitis: This, like allergic conjunctivitis, is triggered by an irritant. These irritants include smoke, chemicals, and even contact lenses. In contrast to infectious conjunctivitis, irritant conjunctivitis is not communicable.
Symptoms of irritant conjunctivitis:
These symptoms arise shortly after exposure to said irritants. These symptoms include:
- Redness
- Burning
- Tearing
Common Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Even though each of these subtypes have their own symptoms, they still share similar systems such as:
- Redness of the whites of the eyes
Itchiness, burning, or irritation - Watery discharge (may be clear, white, or pus-like)
- Feeling something stuck in the eye
When Should You See The Doctor?
Typically, you should consult a doctor if you have severe or persistent eye pain caused by any form of conjunctivitis.
Also, if your eyes become sensitive to light or you detect any changes in your vision, such as blurriness, you should see a doctor. The doctor will assess your condition and recommend medication to help you feel better again.
Bottom Line
Conjunctivitis, often known as pink eyes, is an eye infection that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent tissue that covers the white area of the eye.
Infectious, allergic, and irritant conjunctivitis are the various types of conjunctivitis which have their distinct characteristics and causes. However, they all share similar symptoms like redness of the whites of the eyes, itchiness, burning, or irritation etc. You should consult a doctor if you have severe or persistent eye pain caused by any form of conjunctivitis or if your vision becomes blurry.
