Conjunctivitis also termed as pink eye
in the United States and Madras eyes in India is caused due to infection
or inflammation of the transparent membrane that covers the part of
eyeball and inner surface of eyelids. The name Madras eye was originated
in 20th century when adenovirus was discovered in India. Conjunctivitis
is most commonly caused due to viral or bacterial infection, exposure
to chemical or irritants or allergic reaction. Allergic conjunctivitis
is known to be caused due to allergens such as cosmetic smoke, dust
mites, pollen, perfumes and balsam of peru.
Blurred vision, redness of eye, sensitivity to light, watering or
itching of both the eyes, watery discharge from one or both the eyes and
feeling of grittiness in one or both the eyes are the major symptoms
witnessed in individuals suffering from conjunctivitis. It is a highly
contagious disease and is easily spread through sharing of objects like
towel and poor washing of hands. The infection can also spread through
sneezing or coughing. Thus, kids or adults diagnosed with pink eye are
recommended not travel to public places for that period of time.
However, conjunctivitis caused due to allergens (caused due to seasonal
pollens, cosmetics and perfumes) or chemicals (chemicals, liquids such
as furniture polish or bleach) are not contagious. Although,
conjunctivitis caused by infections is highly contagious but it does not
cause any serious health problem if diagnosed at an early stage. But,
if the disease is left untreated then it can lead to permanent vision
loss or other serious eye problem. Keratoconjunctivitis is a combination
of conjunctivitis and inflammation of cornea while,
blepharoconjunctivitis is a combination of inflammation of the cornea
and conjunctivitis.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is one of the major eye problem
encountered worldwide and are caused by bacteria’s such as Moraxella and
Chlamydia trachomatis. These bacteria’s are responsible for causing
persistent conjunctivitis with higher level of redness. Similarly,
Staphylococci and Streptococci are witnessed to cause non acute
bacterial conjunctivitis. Moreover, bacteria’s such as β-hemolytic
streptococci, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Corynebacterium diphtheriae are
other bacterias that are responsible for the production of membranes or
psuedomembranes in bacterial conjunctivitis. Most of the cases of
bacterial conjunctivitis are acute and self limiting and not a major
cause of serious health problem however; due to its high prevalence the
infection can have large impact on the society as individuals tend to
miss their school or work. Thus, antibiotic, pills, ointment or eyedrops
are given to clear the infection. Furthermore, if antibiotics are not
showing proper response then swabs for bacterial culture are examined in
the laboratories. Generally, fluoroquinolones, macrolides,
amynoglycosides, phenicols are prescribed for the treatment of bacterial
conjunctivitis. Similarly, tetracyclines or doxycycline are also
prescribed for the treatment of infection caused due to Neisseria
gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Conjunctivitis is an extremely common
condition with high incidence and low prevalence. The disease can be
treated on its own. Hence, exact estimate of epidemlology of this
disease is a challenge. However, as per the statistics published by
government authority in the U.S approximately 5 million cases of
bacterial conjunctivitis are reported due to increasing number of
bacterial infections. Moreover, the treatment of disease in the U.S.
accounts for approximately USD 589 million annually. It has also been
witnessed that out of all the causes of conjunctivitis, bacterial
conjunctivitis account for more than 50% of the cases. Thus, rising
incidences of bacterial infection would drive the growth of this market.
Allergan, Inc., Merck, Pfizer, Inc., Novartis and others are some of the major players operating in this market segment.
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