Eyes itchy, red and watery, with clear or purulent discharge.
No doubt: "these are the very recognizable symptoms of conjunctivitis", explains Ludovic N'Kosi, ophthalmologist.
Accompanied by a colleague, he founded SOS Œil, an unscheduled consultation service within the Paris 17 Ophthalmological Center. Conjunctivitis no longer holds any secrets for him.
“It can be very disturbing and doesn't warn, but luckily it's never serious.
To put it simply, conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the surface of the eye.
Infectious or allergic
There are two types of conjunctivitis: infectious and allergic.
The first happens most of the time in the fall or winter.
It’s viral.
“The infection can also be bacterial,” specifies Ludovic N'Kosi.
It mainly affects children and babies.
In these cases, it is coupled with a runny nose, sore throat and cough.
In children under one year of age, when there is recurrent conjunctivitis in the same eye, the tear duct may be blocked.
"
Infectious conjunctivitis is contagious and is caught by secretions.
“That's why it usually starts with one eye.
The other is then contaminated when we scratch, for example, ”emphasizes the ophthalmologist.
As for allergy, it usually occurs in early spring and summer.
“Many people have this type of reaction in the presence of pollen, dust or even mites.
Both eyes are affected at the same time, the nose is itchy and runny.
"
In clear decline thanks to barrier gestures
Very annoying, this infection can be avoided.
Ludovic N'Kosi notes a clear improvement linked to the Covid-19 health crisis: “Since the implementation of barrier measures, viral conjunctivitis has decreased by 85%.
The fact of stopping kissing each other has a lot to do with it ”.
To avoid catching it, you should therefore avoid contact as much as possible, and wash your hands frequently.
For people with allergies, the Covid-19 will not change anything.
“The symptoms are totally dependent on where they are.
They have to ask themselves whether this really handicaps them or not.
»The professional recommends an allergological assessment, which allows the problems to be identified.
“If the allergen can be removed, it's easier.
For example, if conjunctivitis occurs in contact with cats, it should not be adopted.
In the case of reactions to pollen, it is much more complicated.
“In case of very important and very annoying symptoms, there is the possibility of resorting to desensitization treatment, which lasts between two and three years.
".
A solution to be prescribed only in case of great necessity, according to Ludovic N'Kosi.
Washing and disinfecting: the winning combination
In case of viral infection, the basis is to avoid contaminating others, so no contact and we clean our hands.
And to be treated, it is necessary to wash and disinfect the surface of the eye using eye drops, available on prescription.
Each conjunctivitis has its product: antiseptic, when it is viral, antibiotic, when it is a bacterium and antiallergic, in case of allergy.
“There is an abuse of antibiotics, because people think it is more effective, so they use it regardless of the origin of the conjunctivitis, notes the ophthalmologist.
Then they come back to see us saying it doesn't work.
And this is logical, since it is not the right treatment that is used ”.
It is also possible to put artificial tears for relief.
"Conjunctivitis is always benign and it is never serious, although it is embarrassing", insists the expert.
Infectious diseases are usually cured between three days and three weeks after starting treatment.
For allergic conjunctivitis, "the evolution is slow" and it can last longer.
“As long as there is pollen, a pollen allergic will have reactions if he stops his treatment.
It's periodic, ”adds Ludovic N'Kosi.
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It is also possible that the disease evolves abnormally and causes complications, although this remains rare.
“There is an abnormal development if there is pain and loss of vision.
In this case, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist who will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid eye drops, ”concludes the professional, who recalls all the same that“ there is never a definitive reduction in vision ”.
