Specialists in the field of ophthalmology often identify herpetic conjunctivitis in their patients. The disease is diagnosed both in adults and in young children. The disease affects the connective membrane of the eye and provokes an inflammatory process. This article describes the causes of the development of pathology, its symptoms, diagnosis, methods of therapy and prevention.
general characteristics
The disease occurs as a result of infection by the herpes simplex pathogen, causing various diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. This microorganism penetrates the organs of vision in various ways. For example, if a person rubs his eyes with dirty fingers. Therefore, in order to prevent infection with herpetic conjunctivitis, it is necessary to observe hygiene standards. In addition, experts say that after a pathology, its pathogen remains in the body of the individual for life. This is especially true for people suffering from frequent respiratory ailments.
Routes of transmission are described in the next chapter.
Infection methods
Viruses that provoke the development of herpetic conjunctivitis can exist and multiply even in adverse environmental conditions. They are easily transmitted by air. Infection with this disease occurs in the following ways:
- Dusty.
- Contact.
- Airborne.
Most often, such an ailment affects people who do not follow hygienic rules, people with an insufficiently strong immune system, as well as individuals who are forced to interact with infected people. Stressful situations and emotional instability can provoke a relapse in patients who have once had such conjunctivitis. Sometimes infection occurs already in early childhood, and the inflammatory process occurs periodically, under the influence of adverse conditions.
Factors contributing to the development of infection in the body
These include circumstances that lead to a deterioration in the functioning of the immune system. The reasons that reduce the effectiveness of the protective mechanisms of the human body include:
- Long exposure to low temperatures.
- The harmful effects of the sun.
- Lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet.
- Postponed ailments of a viral nature.
Herpetic conjunctivitis in children is quite common, since the immune system at this age is not sufficiently developed and is not able to withstand the effects of pathogens.
Types of infection
There are several categories of this infection. By the nature of the course, the pathology is divided into the following forms:
- The acute type of disease. This inflammatory process occurs suddenly, characterized by pronounced signs. He quickly passes after a course of therapy.
- Subacute type. With this pathology, the symptoms are mild. However, the inflammatory process takes place under the influence of drugs.
- Chronic type of disease. It is characterized by mild symptoms, which is observed in the patient constantly. The condition of the individual is unstable. Periodically, deterioration occurs. The disease is difficult to treat.
There is also another classification of pathology, according to which there are three types of disease:
- Catarrhal.
- Follicular.
- Vesicular-ulcerative.
With herpetic conjunctivitis, treatment is determined by the type of pathology, its severity and the type of inflammatory process.
Catarrhal type
With this ailment, the symptoms are moderate. During examinations, a specialist may notice redness, swelling and peeling of the connective membrane of the organs of vision. Colorless mucus is released from the patient's eyes, in which, in the presence of additional infection with bacteria, an admixture of pus is observed.
Follicular type
With this kind of herpetic conjunctivitis, the symptoms are pronounced. Colorless vesicles form on the connective membrane of the organs of vision and on the skin of the eyelids.
In general, the symptoms of this category of the disease do not differ from the manifestations of the catarrhal form of the inflammatory process.
Vesicular-ulcerative type
This type of herpetic conjunctivitis is considered the most serious. It is quite dangerous and often leads to the development of severe complications. With this type of disease, the vesicles that form on the surface of the mucous membranes open, and because of this, ulcers appear on the skin of the eyelids. Conjunctival swelling is pronounced. A bright red hue of the organs of vision is observed. The white membrane of the eyes is covered with nodules.
Common signs of inflammation
Continuing to talk about herpetic conjunctivitis, symptoms and treatment, it should be noted that, regardless of the type of pathology, such manifestations are characteristic of it:
- Deterioration of the functions of the organs of vision.
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- Excessive flow of tear fluid.
- The formation of rashes and vesicles filled with a colorless liquid on the surface of the skin of the eyelids.
- Feeling itchy and burning.
- Fever, headache, chills.
- Discomfort in the eyelids.
- An increase in the volume of the lymph glands.
- The discharge of mucus or pus from the eyes.
Diagnostic measures
The survey includes:
- External examination of the patient and conversation with him. By characteristic complaints and the appearance of the organs of vision, the presence of herpetic conjunctivitis can be suspected. The photo clearly shows how the eyes affected by the infection look.
- A smear of discharge from the connective membrane. The liquid is examined using a microscope in order to detect pathogens of any inflammatory process.
- Conducting bacteriological culture.
- Scraping, which consists in removing a small layer of tissue from the connective membrane of the eye.
- Inspection of the organs of vision with a special device - a slit lamp.
Therapies
To combat herpetic conjunctivitis, agents are used that stop the reproduction of microorganisms. The use of medications is necessary only after consulting a doctor and conducting examinations. Self-medication in this situation is unacceptable. As methods of therapy are usually used:
- Drops, which include antibiotics (for example, Tobrex).
- Ointments that are placed under the eyelid (Virolex, Acyclovir).
- Medications for oral administration ("Polyoxidonium", "Cycloferon") are prescribed for severe types of pathology.
- Zelenka for processing bubbles on the surface of the eyelids.
Features of pathology therapy in young patients
Speaking about herpetic conjunctivitis in children, symptoms and treatment, it should be emphasized that the symptoms of the disease in minors are approximately the same as in adults.
However, methods of combating the disease are recommended slightly different. Usually, small patients are prescribed medications containing interferons, for example, Ophthalmoferon in the form of drops. The drug is used five to six times a day for three days. The medication is effective only if it is placed in clean eyes. The patient needs regular treatment of the organs of vision with water or a decoction of pharmacy chamomile. The patient should highlight individual hygiene items, for example, a towel, a scarf. With herpetic conjunctivitis in children, treatment also involves the use of agents that include acyclovir.
The consequences of pathology
This disease is quite dangerous. It not only leads to severe discomfort that interferes with a full life, but also often causes serious complications. These include the following:
- The formation of scar tissue on the surface of the cornea or connective membrane of the organs of vision.
- An increase in intraocular pressure.
- The development of the inflammatory process in the eyelids.
- Deterioration of the functions of the organs of vision.
- Blindness.
- The inflammatory process in the cornea of the eyes.
To prevent the occurrence of dangerous complications, you should not postpone the visit to a specialist.
If the first signs of pathology of the organs of vision occur, you must consult a doctor.
How to avoid the development of the disease?
As ways to prevent the disease, you can list:
- The use of a vaccine that protects against infection with the herpes simplex pathogen. It is necessary to take several courses of this vaccination.
- Compliance with hygiene standards. These rules must be followed from early childhood.
- Removal of foreign objects from the cornea of the eye.
- Refusal to use other people's contact means for vision correction.
- Compliance with hygiene measures for processing lenses.
- Strengthening the body's defenses, a balanced diet.
- Avoid too low temperatures, excessive humidity or direct exposure to the sun.
- The use of individual cosmetics. In this case, preference should be given to products that do not provoke allergies.
- Visiting swimming pools only with special glasses that protect against moisture in the eyes. Swimming in clean running water.
- Compliance with the rules of a healthy lifestyle, regular sports and walks in the fresh air, good rest.