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Diabetes and the Eye

What is it? 

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.

What are the Symptoms?

  • Gritty sensation or FB sensation 

  • Itching or burning sensation in one or both eyes

  • Watery eyes

  • Discharge (Yellowish – Green) from one or both eyes and sticky eyes in the morning

  • Swollen eyelids

  • Pink color of the conjunctiva (white part of the eye) or Reddish 

Types of Conjunctivitis

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: is an infection most often caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria from your own skin or respiratory system. Insects, physical contact with other people, poor hygiene (touching the eye with unclean hands), or using contaminated eye makeup and facial lotions can also cause the infection. Sharing makeup and wearing contact lenses that are not your own or are improperly cleaned can also cause bacterial conjunctivitis.


Viral Conjunctivitis: is most commonly caused by contagious viruses associated with the common cold. It can develop through exposure to the coughing or sneezing of someone with an upper respiratory tract infection. Viral conjunctivitis can also occur as the virus spreads along the body's own mucous membranes, which connect the lungs, throat, nose, tear ducts and conjunctiva. Since the tears drain into the nasal passageway, forceful nose blowing can cause a virus to move from your respiratory system to your eyes.


Allergic Conjunctivitis: occurs more commonly among people who already have seasonal allergies. They develop it when they come into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction in their eyes. Chemical conjunctivitis Chemical Conjunctivitis can be caused by irritants like air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to noxious chemicals.

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How is it Treated?

Depending on the severity, treatment can range from using soothing lubricating eye drops to prescribing an antibiotic or a combination of antibiotic and steroids in certain situations or steroid eye drops alone to alleviate patients’ symptoms or to reduce the infection or to prevent it to spreading to others. 

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