Conjunctivitis ( Pink eye)

Conjunctivitis (commonly known as pinkeye) is an inflammation of the transparent film covering the inside of the eyelids (the white part of the eye) and the surface of the eyeball.IritisIritis refers to inflammation of the eyeball, and the places where the inflammation occurs are different.結膜位在最表層，所以也容易受到外在因素的影響而發炎。結膜炎有幾種成因，如傳染性及過敏性。當受到病毒、細菌的感染，或是對花粉、二手煙、游泳池水中的氯、化妝品中的成分、隱形眼鏡等刺激物過敏時，就可能引起發炎或腫脹，導致結膜炎。受感染後會出現眼睛不適的症狀，如：眼睛發癢或刺痛、發紅、有灼熱感等等。請繼續閱讀了解更多結膜炎成因、症狀、檢查及如何調理。

Causes of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of red itchy eyes and is generally classified as allergic conjunctivitis or bacterial conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis

The condition is mostly caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. Once irritants come into contact with the eyes, allergens such as pollen, dust and animal dander can cause an allergic reaction and trigger nasal allergy symptoms.

Infectious conjunctivitis

Bacterial or viral infections, such as the common cold, can lead to highly contagious conjunctivitis. Infected contact lenses or unclean eye make-up can also cause infectious conjunctivitis.

Irritant conjunctivitis

Cleaning agents, shampoo or air pollutants etc. may cause eye irritation and inflammation. Eyelashes falling into the eye can also cause such conditions.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Discharge from the eyes

Itching or stinging eye

Redness in the eye and inner eyelid

Crusty eyelash and eyelid

Swollen eyelid

Burning sensation

More tears than usual

結膜炎調理

結膜炎最常由病毒或細菌或過敏引起。如果結膜炎是由細菌引起的，醫生可以開含抗生素眼藥水調理結膜炎。如果結膜炎是由病毒引起的，抗使用生素調理無濟於事，甚至可能降低其未來的有效性或引起藥物反應而造成傷害。只能依靠自身的免疫系統來擊退病毒，通常需要幾週時間。細菌性結膜炎通常會導致黃色或綠色粘稠分泌物。病毒性結膜炎通常會導致水樣分泌物。使用冷敷、人工淚液可以減輕刺激。

Anti-inflammatory eye drops and ointments

消炎眼膏或眼藥水能有效緩解細菌性結膜炎。

Cold compress, artificial tear

Cold compresses or artificial tears are recommended. Neurotransmitters respond more quickly to ice than to itchy allergies, reducing itchiness and helping relieve the inflammation and dryness of the eyes caused by conjunctivitis. What’s more, patients should refrain from rubbing their eyes, blowing on them or applying hot compresses, and stop using contact lenses until the symptoms have completely disappeared to avoid further irritation and itching.

Conjunctivitis FAQ

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious and can spread from person to person via discharge from the eyes or upper respiratory tract, fingers, clothing and other items such as make-up, towels, etc. Swimmers may also be infected if they swim in contaminated water.

Will conjunctivitis go away on its own?

Bacterial conjunctivitis: it does not heal on its own and requires regular medication such as antibiotic eye ointment or eye drops (prescribed and instructed by an ophthalmologist, not self-purchased).

病毒性結膜炎：毋須作特別調理，大部分患者一般會於1至2星期內自行痊癒，足夠休息可促進康復時間。

若出現病情惡化或併發症，可致角膜潰瘍，嚴重更可令視力永久受損。因此，眼睛感到不適時都應尋求眼科專科醫生檢查及調理。

Can I wear contact lenses when I have conjunctivitis?

不應佩戴隱形眼鏡，並且需消毒隱形眼鏡或更換新鏡片，等完全康復後才可重新佩戴。

如何避免結膜炎？

避免用手觸摸眼睛。如不能避免，在觸摸眼睛前後要清潔雙手。
Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds, or perform hand hygiene with 70% to 80% alcohol-based.
Do not share personal items, e.g. towels, pillows, eye droppers, eye medicines, eye makeup, contact lenses and other items that may come into contact with your eyes.
Infected individuals should refrain from work, school or swimming until their symptoms have resolved in order to prevent the spread of infection.