Home  |  About Us  |  Contact Us  |  Eye Examinations  |  Fees, Prices & Policies
Specialist Services & Information Portfolio  |  Designer Frames  |  Glass Studio  |  Children's Eye Care

 

« Click here to return to Specialist Services and Information Portfolio
Conjunctivitis

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer covering the surface of the inner eyelid and a portion of the front of the eye. This condition appears in many forms and affects people of all ages.

What causes conjunctivitis?

The three main types of conjunctivitis are infectious, allergic and chemical. The infectious form, commonly known as “pink eye” is caused by a contagious virus or bacteria. Your body’s allergies to pollen, cosmetics, animals or fabrics often bring on allergic conjunctivitis. And, irritants like air pollution, noxious fumes and chlorine in swimming pools may produce the chemical form. 

What are the signs/symptoms of conjunctivitis? 

Common signs/symptoms of conjunctivitis are red eyes, inflamed inner lids, watery eyes, blurred vision and a sandy or scratchy feeling in the eyes. With the infectious form, there may be a puss-like or watery discharge around the eyelids. 

Since Infectious conjunctivitis is contagious, what measures can be taken to prevent spreading this condition?

To avoid giving infectious conjunctivitis to others, keep your hands away from your eyes; thoroughly wash your hands before and after applying eye medication; do not share towels, flannels, cosmetics or eyedrops with others and seek treatment promptly. Small children, who may forget these precautions, should be kept away from school and the swimming pool until the condition is cured.

Treatment

Attention to oculuar hygiene is essential.  After examination and investigation your eye care practitioner can prescribe eye drops to help alleviate and resolve the condition.   

Christopher Kerr FSMC, FBOA, FAAO, FC.Optom. Cert. in Ocular Therapeutics (City University)

Combines teaching and research with private practice. Clinical consultant to major industrial and contact lens companies, Health Authorities and many professional bodies. Chairman, Croydon Local Optometric Committee, President British contact Lens Association and previously Senior Optometrist and Director of Contact Lens Services at Mayday University Hospital. Editor: Contact Lens Yearbook. International speaker, broadcaster and author on general optometric and contact lens-related topics. Mayday Healthcare Trust accredited paediatric optometrist.

You can read a recent lecture by given by Christopher at the The Royal Society of Medicine here.
Christopher Kerr & Associates Tel: 020 8688 5076 / 020 8681 2008   Fax: 020 8688 8005
37 LONDON ROAD, WEST CROYDON, CR0 2RE

Website evolved with the help of SCS