Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes. Viral infections typically have a watery discharge along with other signs. Bacterial infections tend to produce thicker, yellow-green discharge. Both are highly contagious for up to two weeks after the first symptoms become apparent. Good hygiene is recommended as both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are spread through direct or indirect contact with the eye secretions of the infected person.

Allergies

Eye allergies harass one out of five Americans; some are seasonal, and some are year round. The conjunctiva comes in contact with irritants. The immune system mistakenly senses the irritants as full-on threats. Our bodies manufacture antibodies which then release histamines and other substances. Eyes get red, itchy and watery. The most salient symptom of eye allergies is itching or burning of the eyes.

With seasonal allergies, the more common of the two, the sufferer is affected during certain times of the year, like spring through summer to autumn. These are seasons where pollen from trees and grasses and mold and spores are blooming.

With perennial, or year-round allergies, the triggers are a bit different. Causes could be dust mites, animal dander, feathers, perfumes, air pollution, chlorine, or smoke.

So how do you treat eye allergies? Well first and foremost, change your behavior around high allergic trigger times. Use mite-proof bedding, keep windows closed, wear glasses or sunglasses to keep irritants out of your eyes and wash your hands after handling animals.

Some advice: use artificial tears or decongestant eye drops. Remember, oral antihistamines can cause dry eye so keep those eyes lubricated.

Uveitis

This is inflammation of the uvea which is comprised of three parts: The iris, the colored ring in your eye, and pupil, the dark hole in the center of the iris; ciliary body, and the choroid, which is located behind the iris. Depending on the involved eye structure or structures, there are specific terms for the type of uveitis.