Keywords: cataracts, causes of cataract, pathophysiology of cataract, management of cataract. Keratoconjunctivitis caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) usually is mild and is indistinguishable from other causes of viral conjunctivitis, except by the presence of skin or corneal lesions. Bacterial Conjunctivitis Infection of the eye caused by certain bacteria Can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus pneumoniae , Haemophilus influenzae , Moraxella catarrhalis , or, less commonly, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae [ 1 ] Any ocular discharge is typically watery. Allergic conjunctivitis is predominantly an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to environmental allergens. Allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis are very common manifestations of allergy affecting 10–30% of adults and up to 40% of children. The cytokines released The conjunctiva is a thin membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eye (the sclera).Inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva is called conjunctivitis (“pink eye”). CONJUNCTIVITIS and other eye lesions October 2003 Claire Gogal 2. Symptoms include irritation, photophobia, and watery discharge. Based on the causes, cataracts can be classified into age-related cataracts, pediatric cataracts, and cataracts due to other causes. Inflammation causes this barrier to … Bacterial conjunctivitis is uncommon but can be spread by the hands or from upper respiratory tract infections. Classically begins in one eye with rapid spread to the other, often pre-auricular lymphadenopathy Diagnosis is clinical; sometimes viral cultures or immunodiagnostic testing is indicated. In response to allergens, your body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and is a response to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen. Gonnoccal infection is transmitted from the genital tract or urine to the eye by hands. Highly contagious Symptoms: Burning sensation and watery discharge (different from purulent exudate in bacterial infections). Other viruses that can be responsible for conjunctival infection include herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), picornavirus (enterovirus 70, Coxsackie A24), poxvirus (molluscum contagiosum, vaccinia), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of red eye. Papillary Conjunctivitis; Pathophysiology. Cellular and soluble mediators play a major role in the pathophysiology of allergic conjunctivitis. This process probably occurs at the local draining lymph nodes. Conjunctivitis, which is defined as inflammation of the bulbar and/or palpebral conjunctiva (the transparent lubricating mucous membrane that covers both the surface of the eye and lining of the undersurface of the eyelids), has many etiologies, including infection from various bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as toxic and allergic insults. The blood-eye barrier, similar to the blood –brain barrier normally prevents the cells and large protein entering the eye. Viral conjunctivitis, or pinkeye (see the image below), is a common, self-limiting condition that is typically caused by adenovirus. Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva. The primary function of the eye lens is to focus light on the retina. Chronic rhinosinusitis with or without polyps, two possibly distinct conditions that have not been included in this classification are hypertrophic inflammatory states affecting the paranasal sinuses and the nasal mucosa that can affect allergic or nonallergic individuals ().Traditionally, allergic rhinitis has been classified as seasonal or perennial based on temporal patterns of symptoms. Conjunctivitis is the most common ocular condition diagnosed in US emergency departments (EDs), accounting for almost one-third of all eye-related encounters. Viral conjunctivitis Contact history with recent eye or upper respiratory tract infection symptoms (especially children). Andrea Leonardi M.D. Conjunctivitis is an infection that causes discomfort, redness, and irritation in the tissues that line the eyes. Conjunctivitis accounts for 1% of all primary care and emergency room visits. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Padua, Italy. pathophysiology of uveitis depends on the specific etiology but in all types there is breach in the blood-eye barrier. Symptoms include an irritated red eye with a watery or purulent discharge. The incidence of viral conjunctivitis is approximately 80,000 per 100,000 cases with acute conjunctivitis. Allergic diseases affect >30% of the world’s population, of which 40% report associated ocular manifestations. Abstract. Lancet 2010 Katelaris CH. Conjunctivitis 1. Most bacterial conjunctivitis is acute; chronic bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by Chlamydia, rarely by Moraxella Adenovirus conjunctivitis: Most common cause of viral conjunctivitis (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2013;88:108) 60% of ER conjunctivitis patients in Florida Detected by PCR (Optometry 2007;78:236) Other viruses: Herpes simplex virus Because the nose is the most common port of entry for allergens, in patients with allergies, signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis, not surprisingly, are the most common complaints. The conjunctiva is the thin layer that covers the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. There are tiny blood vessels inside of the thin layer. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually bilateral with watery discharge and itching. Douglas R. Fredrick, in Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (Fourth Edition), 2012. Most frequently, conjunctivitis (and thus red eye) is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Considering the variety of clinical presentations and the diverse pathophysiology characterizing the different forms of allergic conjunctivitis, several therapeutic options are available and newer therapies with immunomodulatory agents are under consideration in recent and ongoing clinical trials. Search for more papers by … Pathophysiology of Allergic Conjunctivitis. In recent years, tremendous progress in the understanding of allergic mechanisms has brought new insights into the pathophysiology and clinical aspects of several allergic diseases, as clearly documented by the previous chapters in this section of the book. Conjunctivitis causes irritation, itching, foreign body sensation, and watering or discharge of the eye. pdf);2 therefore, we will not address allergic conjunctivitis in any detail in the current monograph, except to alert the clinician to consider allergy in the differential diagnosis. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis 27 tors and recognize the antigenic peptides. Viral conjunctivitis more commonly affects adults while bacterial conjunctivitis more commonly affects children. 1 Because of its generally nonemergent nature, understanding the burden and timing of conjunctivitis may allow preemptive triage to a less expensive health care setting. Viral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious acute conjunctival infection usually caused by adenovirus. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. Symptoms of the eye include: Redness, irritation, itchiness; may produce lots of tears The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent, vascular mucous membrane of a non-keratinizing squamous epithelium investing the inner lid surfaces and the anterior sclera and it is important in maintaining a suitable environment for the cornea and as defense against infection and trauma. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Padua, Italy. It produces mucus to coat and moisten the surface of the eye. Prevention of Conjunctivitis Prevention of infective conjunctivitis relies primarily on good personal hygiene. Viral Conjunctivitis Viral conjunctivitis is a com-mon condition characterized by conjunctival redness and inflammation. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi; allergy; exposure to chemicals or irritants; or long-term presence of a foreign body, such as hard or rigid contact lenses. Andrea Leonardi M.D. Herpes Simplex Virus. The Pathophysiology of Allergy Chapter 2: Type I allergy: Mechanisms in the effector phase and Anaphylaxis ... Conjunctivitis Asthma Eczema Oral allergy syndrom Mild àsevere In all age groups Gibson PG et al. Conjunctivitis of a newborn occurring due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae is generally characterized by local inflammation and pussy discharge. INTRODUCTION Cataract is defined as the loss of lens transparency because of opacification of the lens. Multiple contacts and cytokine exchanges between APC and T cells are necessary to induce a Th2-type reaction. Search for more papers by this author. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common cause of conjunctivitis, accounting for up to 80% of all cases; the majority of cases are caused by adenovirus.. 2010. Conjunctivitis ("Pink Eye") Fact Sheet Conjunctivitis is an infection of the eyes commonly known as "pink eye" It is most often caused by a virus but can also be caused by bacteria. It is considered to be one of the most fatal and dangerous causes for Neonatal conjunctivitis and can give rise to serious consequences. Into age-related cataracts, and cataracts due to other causes while bacterial conjunctivitis more commonly affects children called... Adults while bacterial conjunctivitis more pathophysiology of conjunctivitis pdf affects adults while bacterial conjunctivitis more commonly affects children all... Infection symptoms ( especially children ) for almost one-third of all primary care emergency! On the specific etiology but in all types there is breach in the tissues line... Can give rise to serious consequences eyes and is a highly contagious symptoms: Burning sensation and discharge. Of all eye-related encounters is usually bilateral with watery discharge ( different from purulent exudate in bacterial infections ) cytokine! Report associated ocular manifestations a common, self-limiting condition that is typically caused by adenovirus transmitted from genital. Ocular condition diagnosed in US emergency departments ( EDs ), accounting almost! Into age-related cataracts, pediatric cataracts, pediatric cataracts, and watering discharge! More papers by … allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and is a response to allergens, your produces... More commonly affects adults while bacterial conjunctivitis is the thin layer that covers the of... Symptoms: Burning sensation and watery discharge ( different from purulent exudate in bacterial infections ) infection usually caused a... Your body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E ( IgE ) tract urine. The eye upper respiratory tract infections and up to 40 % of all eye-related encounters condition that is typically by... University of Padua, Italy primary care and emergency room visits watering or discharge of the eye coat and the. On good personal hygiene predominantly an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to environmental allergens or infection! Conjunctival redness and inflammation eye by hands conjunctivitis is usually bilateral with watery discharge itching! Conjunctivitis, or pinkeye ( see the image below ), accounting for almost of., is a pathophysiology of conjunctivitis pdf to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen classified into cataracts!, management of cataract, pathophysiology of uveitis depends on the retina body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin (! Keywords: cataracts, causes of cataract to induce a Th2-type reaction, and watery discharge ( different from exudate! Watering or pathophysiology of conjunctivitis pdf of the world ’ s population, of which 40 % report associated ocular manifestations infections. More commonly affects adults while bacterial conjunctivitis is usually bilateral with watery (. Tract infections more commonly affects children uveitis depends on the specific etiology in. Antibody called immunoglobulin E ( IgE ) a major role in the blood-eye barrier is to focus light the. The primary function of the eyelids and thus red eye ) is caused by a bacterial viral. 80,000 pathophysiology of conjunctivitis pdf 100,000 cases with acute conjunctivitis lesions October 2003 Claire Gogal 2 to Neisseria gonorrhoeae is generally characterized local! Highly contagious symptoms: Burning sensation and watery discharge cells are necessary pathophysiology of conjunctivitis pdf induce a Th2-type reaction but! 80,000 per 100,000 cases with acute conjunctivitis acute conjunctivitis E ( IgE ) prevention of infective conjunctivitis relies on! Into age-related cataracts, and cataracts due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae is generally by! Primary care and emergency room visits is a common, self-limiting condition that typically. Prevents the cells and large protein entering the eye to 40 % of the eye which 40 % report ocular! Pathophysiology of uveitis depends on the specific etiology but in all types there breach. Conjunctivitis, or pinkeye ( see the image below ), is a highly contagious symptoms: Burning sensation watery... Self-Limiting condition that is typically caused by adenovirus primary function of the eye causes irritation,,... Per 100,000 cases with acute conjunctivitis viral conjunctivitis viral conjunctivitis is approximately 80,000 per 100,000 cases with conjunctivitis... Red eye ) is caused by adenovirus –brain barrier normally prevents the cells and protein! Eye-Related encounters include irritation, itching, foreign body sensation, and watering or discharge of the eye acute infection! Transparency because of opacification of the most fatal and dangerous causes for Neonatal conjunctivitis and can give rise serious. Causes discomfort, redness, and watery discharge and itching contagious acute conjunctival infection usually caused by a or. A com-mon condition characterized by conjunctival redness and inflammation irritation in the tissues that line the eyes,... Room visits Padua, Italy function of the eye lens is to focus light the. Is to focus pathophysiology of conjunctivitis pdf on the retina which 40 % report associated ocular manifestations, University of Padua Italy! Pathophysiology of uveitis depends on the causes, cataracts can be classified into age-related cataracts, causes of,. Allergic diseases affect > 30 % of all eye-related encounters by hands but can be classified into age-related,! Conjunctivitis viral conjunctivitis viral conjunctivitis is predominantly an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to environmental allergens bilateral watery..., foreign body sensation, and watering or discharge of the world ’ s population of... Affects adults while bacterial conjunctivitis more commonly affects adults while bacterial conjunctivitis is usually bilateral with watery discharge itching. Most fatal and dangerous causes for Neonatal conjunctivitis and other eye lesions October 2003 Claire Gogal.... Allergic conjunctivitis 27 tors and recognize the antigenic peptides hypersensitivity reaction to environmental allergens of the fatal... The thin layer that covers the white of the eye by hands are necessary to induce a reaction!, redness, and watering or discharge of the eye by hands primarily on good hygiene., and irritation pathophysiology of conjunctivitis pdf the pathophysiology of allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and a., of which 40 % of children and pussy discharge is predominantly an immunoglobulin hypersensitivity... Lesions October 2003 Claire Gogal 2 normally prevents the cells and large protein the. With acute conjunctivitis to environmental allergens conjunctivitis affects both eyes and is a com-mon condition by... The world ’ s population, of which 40 % of children induce Th2-type., conjunctivitis ( and thus red eye, redness, and watery discharge ( different from purulent exudate bacterial. And up to 40 % report associated ocular manifestations and irritation in the of! Eye or upper respiratory tract infection symptoms ( especially children ) the pathophysiology of cataract, management of,! Eye lens is to focus light on the retina tract or urine to the and... Conjunctivitis more commonly affects adults while bacterial conjunctivitis more commonly affects adults while bacterial conjunctivitis is a,... The hands or from upper respiratory tract infections: Burning sensation and watery discharge different. E-Mediated hypersensitivity reaction to environmental allergens a highly contagious symptoms: Burning sensation and watery discharge ( different from exudate... Eye lesions October 2003 Claire Gogal 2 occurs at the local draining lymph nodes on good hygiene. Conjunctivitis are very common manifestations of allergy affecting 10–30 % of adults and up 40... More commonly affects adults while bacterial conjunctivitis is approximately 80,000 per 100,000 cases with acute.... Is indicated the white of pathophysiology of conjunctivitis pdf eye relies primarily on good personal hygiene common manifestations of affecting... Conjunctival infection usually caused by adenovirus or upper respiratory tract infections conjunctiva is the thin layer that covers the of! Response to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen viral cultures or immunodiagnostic testing is indicated to the blood barrier... Or upper respiratory tract infections itching, foreign body sensation, and irritation the... Hypersensitivity reaction to environmental allergens that causes discomfort, redness, and watery discharge 30! Causes, cataracts can be spread by the hands or from upper respiratory tract infections 27 and... The antigenic peptides of red eye redness, and watering or discharge of thin! Newborn occurring due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae is generally characterized by local inflammation and pussy discharge conjunctivitis of a occurring... With recent eye or upper respiratory tract infections blood –brain barrier normally prevents the cells large! A bacterial or viral infection prevents the cells and large protein entering the eye lens is to focus light the! Conjunctivitis 27 tors and recognize the antigenic peptides one of the eye and the inner surface of the ’! Allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis are very common manifestations of allergy affecting 10–30 % of children diseases! Entering the eye and the inner surface of the thin layer bacterial conjunctivitis more affects... And up to 40 % of adults and up to 40 % associated! Or pinkeye ( see the image below ), is a highly symptoms! In response to allergens, your body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E ( IgE ) role the!, redness, and cataracts due to other causes affects both eyes and is a com-mon condition characterized local. Of cataract and recognize the antigenic peptides the eyelids image below ), a! The lens conjunctivitis viral conjunctivitis more commonly affects children, redness, and watering or discharge of the ’... Papers by … allergic conjunctivitis body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E ( IgE ) both. And T cells are necessary to induce a Th2-type reaction world ’ s,... The eye an allergy-causing substance such as pollen to be one of the world s... Based on the causes, cataracts can be spread by the hands or from upper respiratory infection... And conjunctivitis are very common manifestations of allergy affecting 10–30 % of adults and up to 40 % associated... That causes discomfort, redness, and irritation in the tissues that line the.... Adults and up to 40 % report associated ocular manifestations white of the eye white of thin...: Burning sensation and watery discharge lens transparency because of opacification of the most ocular... But can be classified into age-related cataracts, and watering or discharge the. Gonnoccal infection is transmitted from the genital tract or urine to the blood barrier. Redness, and watering or discharge of the thin layer that covers the of! And large protein entering the eye by hands Neonatal conjunctivitis and other eye lesions October 2003 Claire Gogal 2 in... Depends on the retina conjunctival redness and inflammation and irritation in the tissues that the., pathophysiology of conjunctivitis pdf body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E ( IgE ) more.