Conjunctivitis refers to an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent membrane covering the front of the eye. It is also known as sore eyes and is a very common form of eye trouble. It spreads from person to person through direct contact. Overcrowding, dirty surroundings and unhealthy living conditions can cause epidemics of this ailment.
Symptoms
The eyeball and under side of the eyelids become inflamed. At first, the eyes are red, dry and burning. Later, there may be a watery secretion. In more serious cases, there is pus formation. During sleep, this material dries, making the lashes stick together.
Causes
Medical science believes that conjunctivitis results from bacterial infection, viruses or eye-strain. Prolonged work under artificial light and excessive use of the eyes in one way or the other no doubt contributes towards the disease. But its real cause can be traced to a catarrhal condition of the system resulting from general toxaemia due to dietetic errors and faulty style of living. The patient generally suffers from colds or other ailments indicative of a general catarrhal condition.