Common eye infections: viral, bacterial, fungal. Eye infections, or how microbes clog vision

Unpleasant sensations in the eyes can occur unexpectedly: the discomfort from pain and the feeling that sand is poured in the eyes make it impossible to see clearly and live a full life. Ophthalmologists call the cause of the disease mucosal damage(conjunctiva) located around the eyeball.

The greatest danger to patients is viral conjunctivitis, as the disease is highly contagious and spreads very easily. The disease affects people of all ages, even newborns.

The following factors can provoke the onset of the disease:

• avitaminosis;
• damage to the nasal mucosa;
• metabolic disease;
• lacrimal duct injury.

Depending on the pathogen, two types of conjunctivitis can be distinguished:

• isolated conjunctivitis- the cause of the disease is a specific virus: enterovirus, adenovirus, herpes, shingles, Coxsackie virus.
• conjunctivitis, caused by a specific viral infection- the cause of the disease are such diseases: rubella, measles, chickenpox, mumps, influenza.

Most of all patients with viral conjunctivitis, namely 70%, need hospitalization. This is primarily due to the fact that the disease is easily transmitted in the course of human contact.

With regard to infection by airborne droplets, it is less likely than by contact.

It is important to remember that the disease affects both eyes of a person. Although the symptoms initially appear in only one eye, over time they will spread to the other.

A distinctive feature of the disease is the frequency of its occurrence: during enterovirus and adenovirus epidemics. As a result, in parallel with conjunctivitis, upper respiratory tract infection.

If the cause of viral conjunctivitis is herpes, then the disease is transmitted by airborne droplets.

The first symptoms of the disease

Incubation period viral conjunctivitis may fluctuate four to twelve days. As a rule, the disease is preceded by communication of a healthy person with an already infected one.

The main symptoms of the disease ophthalmologists call the following.

• Follicles appear on the conjunctiva of the eyelids.
• Eye redness, profuse lacrimation and itching. The symptom is caused by vasodilation and irritation of the nerve endings in the eyes.
• Sequentially, serous discharge is formed in each eye.
• The lymph nodes located in front of the auricle, increase and pain on palpation.
• There is a fear of light and there is a feeling of the presence of a foreign body, in particular, sand, in the eyes.
• The cornea of ​​the eye loses its transparency, becomes cloudy, as a result decreased visual acuity. It is important to note that the full recovery of the cornea of ​​​​the eye can occur only a few years after the elimination of viral conjunctivitis.
• Feeling tired eyes swelling of the eyelids.
• Purulent discharge appears, as a result of which it is impossible to open the eyes in the morning.

Symptoms of the disease are likely to disappear on their own within one week. However, do not neglect the disease that can damage a person's vision and become chronic.

Treatment of various types of viral conjunctivitis

Diagnosis of the disease is carried out by cytological and virological studies, as well as on the basis of the increase and sensitivity of the parotid lymph nodes.

Adenovirus conjunctivitis

As a treatment, a doctor is prescribed antiviral eye drops with interferon.

• "Ophthalmeron" - eliminates the inflammatory process, strengthens the immune system and actively fights the virus. For the treatment of the acute phase of the disease, it is necessary to instill 1-2 drops in the eyes. The frequency of the procedure is at least six times a day. Further, the frequency of the procedure can be reduced to two times a day.
• "Poludan" - is used to eliminate the herpes virus and adenovirus. The drug should be instilled 1-2 drops at least six times a day (when the disease is in the active phase), then instilled in the eyes three times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is from one week to ten days.
• "Aktipol" - is an antiviral drug, a powerful antioxidant, has a regenerative property on tissues and mucous membranes. The instillation procedure should be carried out at least eight times a day, two drops for ten days.

Supplement treatment eye drops can antiviral ointments. Drugs should be used only as directed by a doctor.

Before applying the ointment, it is necessary to rinse the eyes with infusion of sage, chamomile or tea. After this, drip the infected eye with drops. The ointment must be applied thirty minutes after instillation.

• "Florenal" - is used to eliminate the herpes virus, adenovirus, in case of chickenpox. Apply the ointment at least twice a day. The drug is placed behind the lower eyelid of the eye. The duration of the course of treatment is from 10 to 45 days.
• "Tebrofen ointment" - has a wide spectrum of action. The drug is laid over the edges of the eyelids at least three times a day.
• "Bonafton" - is prescribed for some adenoviruses and in case of damage to the eye by the herpes virus. Course of treatment for adults: 0.1 g at least three times a day. The duration of taking the drugs is from 15 to 20 days. The course of treatment for children: 0.025 g from 1 to 4 times a day. The duration of taking the drugs is from 10 to 12 days.

For more effective treatment, it is possible to prescribe antibacterial drugs in combination with an antibiotic.

Herpetic viral conjunctivitis

Activation of the herpes virus in the body, both adults and children, as a rule, accompanied by mucosal damage and skin. The conjunctiva of the eye is no exception.

When rash spread forever they are needed treat with a solution of brilliant green.

You can not do without ointments with antiherpetic action, for example, Zovirax, Acyclovir, Florenal, Tebrofen ointment, Bonafton. Preparations must be laid under the lower eyelid.

If the herpes virus affects not only the conjunctiva, but also the skin around the eye, it is necessary treatment with oral medications antiherpetic action. In addition, immunomodulators are needed.

The appointment of antibiotics can be carried out with a preventive purpose in order to avoid the development of the disease a second time.

Folk methods

The use of folk methods for the treatment of viral conjunctivitis should occur in conjunction with traditional drugs and only after approval by an ophthalmologist. The most effective treatment for the disease is lotions.

1. Moisten gauze or a small piece of cotton cloth with freshly squeezed dill juice and put it on your eyes for fifteen minutes.
2. Insist two teaspoons of crushed rose hips in one glass of boiling water, strain. Soak gauze in the infusion and keep it in front of your eyes for fifteen minutes.
3. As a lotion, you can use the juice of freshly squeezed potatoes.
4. Boil dried cornflower flowers (2 tablespoons) for ten minutes in half a liter of water. Insist for half an hour and use for lotions.
5. You can wash your eyes with infusion of chamomile or sage.

Features of the treatment of the acute form of the disease

First of all, it is necessary eliminate purulent discharge. Otherwise, the eye will become a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic microbes. To do this, you can use boron solution and antibacterial eye drops.

Treatment of the acute form of viral conjunctivitis requires the use of virocidal preparations, in particular, solutions and ointments made on the basis of components such as florenal, tebrofen or oxolin.

The use of albucid or tetracycline in this situation should have no effect. However, as a prophylactic, in order to avoid the re-development of infection, they can be used.

Prevention

First of all, it is necessary avoid contact between a healthy person and a sick person. Any contact can lead to viral conjunctivitis.

During the period when viral infections and epidemics are most active, it is better to avoid mass events and try not to be in crowded places.

During this period, you should definitely worry about strengthening the immune system.

Do not forget about hygiene: be sure to wash your hands, treat with special disinfectants, use napkins. Try to dry your hands exclusively with a personal towel.

If all precautions are observed, it will not be difficult to avoid the disease and protect relatives and friends from it.

If a purulent-inflammatory process of unknown etiology occurs, presumably of an infectious nature, if chemical or allergic irritants are excluded, it is necessary to carry out treatment according to the following scheme:

1. Tsipromed - eye drops, 1-2 drops in each conjunctival sac 6 times a day for a week.

A broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, a fluoroquinolone derivative.

In ophthalmology, Tsipromed is used for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the eyes (acute and subacute conjunctivitis, blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, bacterial corneal ulcer, chronic dacryocystitis, meibomitis (barley), infectious eye lesions after injuries or foreign bodies).

2. Okomistin - eye drops, also 1-2 drops 6 times a day, each time with an interval of 15 minutes after the first preparation.

The active substance - Miramistin - is a cationic surfactant with antimicrobial (antiseptic) action.

Okomistin is prescribed for acute and chronic conjunctivitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, lesions of the mucous membrane of the eye caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, chlamydia, fungi and viruses; thermal and chemical burns of the eye; for the purpose of prevention and treatment of purulent-inflammatory complications in the preoperative and postoperative period, as well as in case of eye injuries; for the prevention of gonococcal and chlamydial conjunctivitis in newborns.

If within a week there is no noticeable improvement in the condition, the likelihood that the infection is of a viral nature increases. In this case, appointOftalmoferon - eye drops, 1-2 drops 6 times a day instead of one of the above drugs.

pharmachologic effect Ophthalmoferon- antiviral, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic, regenerating.

Indications for use: adenovirus, hemorrhagic (enteroviral), herpetic conjunctivitis; adenovirus, herpetic (vesicular, punctate, tree-like, card-like) keratitis; herpetic stromal keratitis with and without corneal ulceration; adenovirus and herpetic keratoconjunctivitis; herpetic uveitis and keratouveitis (with and without ulceration); dry eye syndrome; prevention of transplant disease and prevention of recurrence of herpetic keratitis after keratoplasty; prevention and treatment of complications after excimer laser refractive surgery of the cornea.

With dry eye syndrome, the drug is used daily, instilling 2 drops into the sore eye 2 times a day for at least 25 days until the symptoms of the disease disappear.

For frequent eye infections, you can also use homeopathic remedy Oculus Edas-108 - a complex (multicomponent) drug prepared using a special technology. It is taken orally, on a piece of sugar, or in a spoonful of water. The drug is compatible with other medications.

Oculus Edas-108 has a wide range of therapeutic effects on the body. The components that make up the drug, complementing each other, affect the central and autonomic nervous, lymphatic systems of the body, mucous membranes, the accommodative apparatus of the eye, and the skin. Typical symptoms for the use of individual components:

Ruta graveolens (Ruta)- Sensation of burning eyes in artificial light. Perception of a green halo or colored rings around a light source. Perception of a "veil" before the eyes. Unusual sensation of "eyes on fire". Lachrymation in open air. Involuntary tension of the eyelids. Eye accommodation disorder. Reduced visual acuity, eye fatigue and other visual disturbances from excessive eye strain when reading or working with small objects. Tendency to increase intracranial pressure.

Euphrasia officinalis (Euphrase)- Hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctiva). Profuse lachrymation. Small blisters or blisters on or near the cornea. The discharge from the eyes is purulent, thick, acrid, forms a mucous film, which makes it difficult to see. Hyperemia and swelling of the eyelids, especially on the inside. Thick and acrid discharge. Violent photophobia with involuntary blinking of the eyelids. Ulceration of the eyelids. Inflammation of the iris of the eye. Pain in the eyes of a burning, shooting character, worse at night, accompanied by discharge of acrid tears.

Echinacea purpurea (Echinacea)- Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes with swelling and pain. Ulceration of the edges of the eyelids. Violation of immune processes.

These symptoms are characteristic of asthenopia, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, iritis.

Has a good reparative (healing) effect Taufon- eye drops, the active ingredient of which is taurine.

Anticataract agent, has a retinoprotective and metabolic effect. Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid formed in the body during the conversion of cysteine. Stimulates the processes of repair and regeneration in diseases of a dystrophic nature and diseases accompanied by a sharp violation of the metabolism of eye tissues. It contributes to the normalization of the functions of cell membranes, the activation of energy and metabolic processes, the preservation of the electrolyte composition of the cytoplasm due to the accumulation of K + and Ca2 +, and the improvement of the conditions for conducting a nerve impulse.

Indications:

Dystrophic lesions of the retina, incl. hereditary tapetoretinal abiotrophy; corneal dystrophy; senile, diabetic, traumatic and radiation cataracts; corneal injury (as a stimulator of reparative processes).

With eye damage from computer radiation, drops give good results.Emoxy Optic.

An antioxidant (a drug that prevents lipid peroxidation of cell membranes) with angioprotective (increasing vascular resistance), antiaggregation (preventing platelet adhesion) and antihypoxic (increasing tissue resistance to oxygen deficiency) activity.
Reduces capillary permeability and strengthens the vascular wall (angioprotector). Reduces blood viscosity and platelet aggregation (antiplatelet agent). Inhibitor of free radical processes, has a membrane-stabilizing effect.
It has retinoprotective properties, protects the retina and other eye tissues from the damaging effects of high-intensity light. Promotes resorption of intraocular hemorrhages, reduces blood clotting, improves microcirculation of the eye. Stimulates reparative processes in the cornea (including in the early postoperative and postoperative period).

Indications for use:
It is used in adults with the following diseases and conditions:
- hemorrhages in the anterior chamber of the eye (treatment);
- hemorrhages in the sclera in the elderly (treatment and prevention);
- inflammation and burns of the cornea (treatment and prevention);
- complications of myopia (treatment);
- protection of the cornea (when wearing contact lenses).

Date: 04/01/2016

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• The main types of conjunctivitis and their symptoms
• Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis and pharyngoconjunctival fever
• Other infectious eye diseases

An infection of the eye, the symptoms of which rarely spread to a certain age category of people, can greatly harm the visual organ. Be aware that an eye infection has symptoms in the form of eye irritation, eyelid swelling, and more severe symptoms.

Infection of the eye includes symptoms indicative of such classes of diseases as:

• conjunctivitis;
• blepharitis;
• keratitis.

Moreover, the main part of infectious diseases of the eye is conjunctivitis (more than 60%), blepharitis is less common (about 25% of the world population), keratitis occurs in no more than 5% of the world population. These classes include a variety of ocular infectious diseases.

The main types of conjunctivitis and their symptoms

This infection, depending on the rate of development of signs, can occur in 3 types: chronic, acute and fulminant.

Lightning is dangerous because they lead to a violation of the cornea and loss of vision. It causes a medical emergency. With timely access to an ophthalmologist, the patient is prescribed treatment with antimicrobial drugs (they may be ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and others).

This ailment occurs in people of any age due to a lack of antibacterial qualities of the lacrimal fluid, and about 30% of newborns become infected during the passage of the birth canal of a woman in labor who has a chlamydial or gonococcal infection (leads to complete blindness). The course of the disease has an acute form with symptoms of conjunctiva, burning, pain, discomfort, eyelid deformity, swelling around the eye, inability to fully open the eye due to sticking after sleep; purulent discharge occurs, minor ulcers may appear at the edges of the eyelids.

The disease spreads to both eyes. First one gets infected, then the other. The reason for this is direct contact with infected biomaterial, but sometimes it can join in the form of an independent disease with tonsillitis, rhinitis or tonsillitis.

Acute conjunctivitis can occur due to hypothermia, overheating, exposure to physical and chemical harmful factors. This disease manifests itself in the form of a feeling of sand in the eyes, burning, redness, mucopurulent discharge, difficulty opening the eyes after sleep. The mucosa becomes loosened, the eyeball becomes red, the pattern of the meibolic glands becomes poorly visible or invisible at all. Therapy of this disease includes washing the eyeball with solutions specially prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

Acute viral conjunctivitis can be complicated by adenoviral conjunctivitis, which includes keratoconjunctivitis and pharyngoconjunctival fever.

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Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis and pharyngoconjunctival fever

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is a complication of acute viral conjunctivitis in the form of corneal lesions. The onset of infection lasts about a week, accompanied by the following symptoms: headache, general weakness, insomnia, redness of the mucosa, the presence of thin films in the conjunctiva, sometimes lacrimation and spot opacities. More often, infection occurs by contact with an infected object, less often by airborne droplets, that is, it is contagious. The consequence of the transferred disease is impaired vision. Acute epidemic conjunctivitis is characterized by profuse hemorrhages of the eye. Past epidemic keratoconjunctivitis confers immunity to the disease for the rest of the patient's life.

adenovirus conjunctivitis. Its development occurs most often in one eye. The main pathogens are adenoviruses. With this disease, there is significant lacrimation, high photosensitivity, redness of the eyeballs, swelling of the eyelids, a feeling of pain, burning and discomfort. It is transmitted by airborne droplets. May occur due to contact with dirty hands.

Other disease factors:

• SARS;
• mechanical damage to the eye;
• surgical intervention to eliminate ailments of the cornea;
• stress;
• use of contact lenses.
  Pharyngoconjunctival fever is not as difficult to tolerate as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, the cornea does not become cloudy.

The incubation period is 5-6 days. Infection is carried out mainly by airborne droplets, and most often it affects children's groups. The disease manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• chills;
• elevated temperature;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• intoxication;
• catarrhal inflammation of the nasal mucosa;
• cough, initially dry, then wet;
• membranous conjunctivitis, which arose on the 5th-6th day of infection.

Dangerous pharyngoconjunctival disease by the development of adenovirus pneumonia with severe intoxication, cyanosis and shortness of breath. Some outbreaks among pediatric patients have been fatal.

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Other infectious eye diseases

Some other infectious diseases of the eye include:

1. Acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Develops rapidly. It proceeds with hyperemia, infiltration, uncomfortable, painful and burning sensations, strong purulent discharge. Sometimes there is a hemorrhage, the formation of papillae on the mucosa. Contributes to the development of infectious diseases of the cornea in the form of bacterial keratitis or corneal purulent ulcer. The disease is benign, properly performed therapy with erythromycin, tetracycline and other ointments and drugs prescribed by an ophthalmologist lasts up to 5 days.
2. Trachoma. It can manifest itself in an acute form, is a chronic disease. With this disease, infiltration of the conjunctiva of the eye occurs, follicles are formed, then in their place - scars, tissues swell, the cornea is affected, the eyelids are partially wrapped, the location of the eyelashes changes. Symptoms of an advanced form of the disease: blurred vision, clouding of the cornea, the appearance of conjunctival scars. With this disease, antimicrobial drugs are prescribed.
3. Inclusion conjunctivitis occurs in both newborns and adults. Unlike trachoma, there are no scars, the rest of the symptoms are identical. The mucous secretion may be viscous. Newborns become ill with this disease during the passage of the genital organs of the woman in labor. Doctors prescribe antimicrobials.
4. bacterial keratitis. It occurs due to the action of bacteria on the cornea. Edema appears, acute pain of the eye, suppuration, superficial or deep manifestations, corneal opacities, infiltrates of a yellowish and rusty hue appear, vision is reduced. This disease is characterized by rapid progress.
5. Regional (superficial) keratitis. There are small gray infiltrates that can cause a crescent-shaped ulcer. Some scarring occurs, the ulcer provokes a serious deterioration in vision. For complex treatment, etiotropic drugs are prescribed.
6. A corneal ulcer occurs when diplococcus, streptococcus, staphylococcus enters the affected area of ​​the cornea after marginal keratitis. The eye becomes more irritated, the eyelids become swollen, and the cornea around the eye becomes more swollen. The iris is affected, the pattern is smoothed out, the pupil narrows, a thorn appears. The severe course of the disease causes persistent intense clouding, the eye tissue is completely destroyed, the apple completely atrophies. Corneal ulcer with gonoblenorrhea - white, becomes the cause of corneal staphyloma.
7. Blepharitis. A group of eye diseases with chronic inflammation of the eyelids. Gradually affects the conjunctiva and cornea. Causes: weakening of the body, lack of vitamins, non-compliance with hygiene standards, myopia, hypermetropia, chronic conjunctivitis, constant irritation by external factors. Symptoms: itching, heaviness of the eyelids, the appearance of scales on them, swelling and redness, distortion of eyelash growth.

All infectious diseases occur because pathogenic microbes enter the human body. Such microorganisms infect any organ. The eyes are no exception. Infections are brought into the eye with dirty hands or transmitted by airborne droplets. Sometimes microbes are in the body in an inactive state, but with overwork, hypothermia, in a stressful situation, their pathogenic properties are manifested. Pathogenic microorganisms infect the tissues of the eye or the organ of vision itself. Doctors calculated that the first place among patients who turned to ophthalmologists is occupied by patients with infectious diseases. They account for 80 percent of cases of temporary disability. The treatment of this disease will be the more successful, the earlier an accurate diagnosis is made.

Eye diseases can be caused by viruses that are present in sufficient quantities (adenovirus, herpes virus, cytomegalovirus), bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci, streptococci), various fungi. All diseases caused by infection entering the eye have similar symptoms: pain in the eyes, redness of the sclera, swelling of external tissues, discharge from the lacrimal canal. The patient's eyes are watery and itchy. Treatment prescribed by an ophthalmologist should eliminate the causes of the disease using conservative methods. To protect others from infection, the patient is prescribed a home regimen. Family members during this period are not recommended to contact the patient often. Several times a day in the room where the patient is located, wet cleaning is carried out, airing is done.

Most often, doctors diagnose the following eye infections: blepharitis, conjunctivitis, barley, scleritis, keratitis, inflammation of the optic nerve, phlegmon.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the edge of the upper or lower eyelid. It develops if the infection penetrates the tissues of the injured eyelid. Sometimes the disease is the result of the action of caustic substances and smoke on the upper layer of the epithelium. The manifestation of the pathogenic properties of microbes that were previously in the body in an inactive state also contributes to the development of blepharitis. The treatment of this disease involves the use of systemic therapy: ointments with antibiotics and corticosteroids (tetracycline, hydrocortisone), antiseptic drugs (calendula solution, Blefarogel), massage are used, which helps secrete from the eyes. The patient is also prescribed electrophoresis, UHF.

Viruses that penetrate the cells of the mucous membrane of the eye, chlamydia that got there, can cause conjunctivitis. The disease develops rapidly and progresses until both pathogens are suppressed. Conjunctivitis usually affects weakened children whose immune systems fail. Inflammation can affect not only the mucous membrane, but also the surrounding tissues. The infection, penetrating into the body, causes chills, the patient's body temperature rises. Treatment of conjunctivitis should be adequate and timely. Antibacterial drugs are used, which are used after the removal of pus. Pus is removed with sterile wipes. It is better to wet them with warm water. To prevent the infection from spreading further, hands are thoroughly washed with boiled water and soap.

If one eye is affected, touching the other eye with dirty hands or a used tissue is unacceptable.

In some cases, Tetracycline eye ointment is used, which is applied over the eyelids at night.

What is barley is well known to everyone. The patient's hairy ciliary bulb and the sebaceous gland adjacent to it become inflamed. As a result, a purulent formation appears on the eyelid - barley. The disease develops rapidly: the eyelid turns red, there is a burning sensation, pain, swelling develops, sometimes completely covering the eye. To cure stye, you do not need to apply warm compresses, which contribute to the spread of infection in the eyelid. The use of physiotherapy is also not recommended. You can not squeeze out the contents of barley. Until the barley ripens, it is necessary to cauterize the hearth with ethyl alcohol or calendula tincture. This is followed by drug treatment with drops containing an antibiotic.

Scleritis is an inflammatory process that develops in the eye sclera. It can be deep or superficial. The disease occurs due to a decrease in immunity after suffering long-term infections - both viral and bacterial. A patient with scleritis often does not have lacrimation, photophobia, visual acuity does not decrease. But if this disease is not treated, a red spot forms on the sclera, which rises above its surface. This is the infected area, which imperceptibly becomes larger. Inflammation can affect the iris and ciliary body, which is a prerequisite for the development of glaucoma. Treatment of scleritis involves the use of eye drops containing antibiotics and corticosteroids.

Keratitis is an inflammatory infectious process of the corneal tissues.
It occurs after an eye injury and infection of damaged corneal tissues. Hereditary predisposition, metabolic disorders can also cause keratitis. The disease must be treated, otherwise tissue infiltration will occur. The infiltrate, breaking up, causes partial necrosis of the cornea and its rejection. An ulcer forms, which penetrates deep into the eyeball and captures the cornea.

Treatment should be comprehensive: after a course of antibiotics used in the treatment of injury, the patient is prescribed immunostimulating drugs and vitamins.

In the case of the optic nerve, the lesion is located inside the eye. It is caused by an infection in the eye. The first signs that should alert the patient are a decrease in visual acuity, loss of light perception. Treatment is complex: stimulation of immunity, a course of antibiotics. Inflammation of the optic nerve in a mild form is completely cured, the performance of the optic nerve is normalized. If the disease was severe, it can have irreversible consequences: atrophy of the optic nerve, a decrease in visual acuity.

Phlegmon - purulent inflammation of the orbit and lacrimal sac. The disease develops when staphylococci or streptococci enter the eyeball. It flows fast. The disease is accompanied by severe pain in the eye area, the patient begins to complain of a complete loss of vision.

If treatment is not started on time, the infection can spread to nearby tissues and reach the brain.

Following the advice of traditional medicine, when an infection enters the eye, medicinal plants should be used. The eyes are washed with a decoction of chamomile, infusion of honey and aloe. But before starting such treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Date: 05.02.2016

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• Viral conjunctivitis: features
• Viral uveitis: highlights
• Viral keratitis: what is it
• Ophthalmic herpes: signs and causes

Eye diseases are diverse in their manifestations and quantity. Recently, a viral eye disease has become very common. Now there are more than 150 viruses, most of which, to one degree or another, can affect the organs of vision. That is why doctors today pay special attention to solving this problem.

Viral conjunctivitis: features

- in recent years, this type of eye disease has become very common. Such ailments are highly contagious and often acquire the character of an epidemic. Various viruses can cause conjunctivitis.

Adenovirus conjunctivitis - the viral nature of this disease has only recently been clarified. Adenovirus conjunctivitis is characterized by the following symptoms:

• redness of the mucous membrane of the eye;
• swelling of the eyelids;
• clear mucous discharge from the eyes;
• pharyngitis;
• increase in body temperature.

Doctors distinguish 3 forms of this disease:

1. Catarrhal form - in this case, inflammation of the eyes is slightly expressed. The disease proceeds quite easily and disappears in no more than 7 days.
2. Membrane form - this form of adenoviral conjunctivitis occurs in almost 30% of cases. A thin light film appears on the mucous membrane of the eye. As a rule, such a film can be removed independently with a clean cotton swab, but sometimes this requires the help of a doctor (the film is quite tightly soldered to the conjunctiva).
3. Follicular form - this disease is characterized by the appearance of small or large bubbles on the mucous membrane of the eye.

Herpetic conjunctivitis - in this disease, the cause of eye infection is the herpes simplex virus. In most cases, herpetic, while, as a rule, the infection affects only one eye. This disease is characterized by a sluggish and prolonged course.

Doctors distinguish 2 forms of herpetic conjunctivitis:

1. Catarrhal - this form of the disease is very easy. With catarrhal herpetic conjunctivitis, redness on the conjunctiva is not very pronounced.
2. Follicular - this form of the disease is much more severe than catarrhal. In this case, bubbles appear on the conjunctiva. Also, patients often complain of increased lacrimation.

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis - this disease is very contagious and can affect a huge number of people at once. The cause of the development of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is one of the types of adenoviruses. Most often, the infection enters the body through medical instruments, unclean hands, dirty linen. As a rule, at first the disease affects one eye, and only then it spreads to the second. After about a week, the patient's condition suddenly improves and almost all symptoms disappear. But after a couple of days, the symptoms return and intensify. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis can be recognized by the following symptoms:

1. Lachrymation.
2. Unpleasant feeling of clogging of the eye.
3. Redness of the mucous membrane.
4. Discharge from the eye.
5. Increase in body temperature.
6. A thin film may appear on the conjunctiva, which you can easily get rid of on your own.
7. Photophobia.
8. Sometimes vision may be impaired.

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Viral uveitis: highlights

Another viral eye disease is uveitis. It is a general concept that refers to inflammation of various parts of the choroid of the eye. It should be noted that this disease is diagnosed in almost 50% of cases of inflammatory eye lesions. In 30% of cases, uveitis leads to low vision and then to blindness.

Many factors can cause this disease, but most often uveitis is caused by various infections. The infectious agent in this disease is most often the herpes simplex virus, less often cytomegalovirus and herpes zoster.

Symptoms of viral uveitis:

1. Redness of the eyes.
2. Soreness of the eyes.
3. Blurred vision - the patient often has floating spots in front of the eyes.
4. Light sensitivity - it is difficult for the patient to look at bright light.
5. Strong lacrimation.

The high prevalence of this disease can be explained by slow blood flow in the uveal tract and an extensive vascular network of the eye. This feature to some extent contributes to the retention of harmful microorganisms in the choroid.

In most cases, viral uveitis is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that reduce discomfort.

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Viral keratitis: what is it

Viral keratitis is an inflammatory lesion of the cornea caused by a viral infection. Most often, the elderly or even very young people suffer from this disease.

The inflammatory process with such an ailment can be of 2 types:

1. Superficial - the disease affects only the epithelium and the upper layers of the stroma.
2. Deep - in this case, the disease captures the entire stroma.

Viral keratitis can be caused by adenoviruses, varicella-zoster viruses, mumps, herpes infection, measles. There are a number of predisposing factors that can lead to the appearance of viral keratitis: violation of the integrity of the cornea, frequent stress, weakened immunity, hypothermia.

This disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• eye redness;
• swelling of the eyes;
• vesicular rashes of the eyes;
• clouding of the cornea;
• neuralgic pains;
• decreased vision.

The viral form of keratitis is usually treated with immunomodulatory, antiviral and antibacterial agents. Quite often, patients are prescribed antibiotics, analgesics, and physiotherapy is prescribed. If necessary, specialists perform keratoplasty or scrape off the affected epithelium.