Conjunctivitis: Are you particularly at risk as an athlete?

The question of whether athletes are particularly susceptible to conjunctivitis is quite legitimate. There are different answers to this, depending on which sport it is.

During outdoor sports, the eyes can be affected by various external stimuli. In team athletes, on the other hand, bacterial conjunctivitis is more common, because the close contact with others makes it easier to transmit viruses.

We explain in the following article how conjunctivitis can be alleviated or prevented at all.

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis – medical term conjunctivitis – is a widespread eye disease that can affect children and adults alike. The conjunctiva acts as a protective mucosa over part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids.

There are two forms of conjunctivitis: infectious conjunctivitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, while allergic conjunctivitis is caused by external influences such as dust, pollen or various other allergens. So it is not surprising that this form of conjunctivitis often occurs in conjunction with hay fever – anyone who is prone to allergic reactions knows and knows the symptoms.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

However, it is not only allergy sufferers who are affected by irritation or a foreign body sensation in the eyes. Athletes are also prone to red eyes or watery eyes, as they are often exposed to external influences such as dust or drafts, which are a common cause of conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis always affects both eyes and is often accompanied by other ailments such as hay fever. A typical symptom of inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by allergens or other external stimuli such as dry air, drafts or dust is also itchy eyes.

While many symptoms can occur in both types of conjunctivitis, a whitish-yellow fluid is secreted in bacterial conjunctivitis. The result is sticky eyes, which are also red and tears. This can cause the conjunctiva to become sore and sore as the eyeball moves.

Possible causes of conjunctivitis

The possible causes of infectious conjunctivitis are manifold and differ depending on whether those affected are adults or still in childhood. For example, conjunctivitis in adults is often triggered by viruses, while in childhood bacteria such as pneumococci, staphylococci or chlamydia can be blamed for this. Herpes viruses or chickenpox can also cause this eye disease.

Viral conjunctivitis caused by adenoviruses is usually accompanied by a cold. In such a case, only one eye is often affected at first. This so-called keratoconjunctivitis is very contagious. Any conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial infection carries a risk of infection, because if the eyes are rubbed as a result of irritation, the germs get on the hands. When shaking hands or using shared towels, the viruses can then easily be passed on.

Higher risk due to outdoor sports?

The question to this answer is quite clear: Athletes who are exposed to drafts more frequently – for example when racing – can be increasingly affected by inflammation of the conjunctiva. The same applies when exercising frequently in direct sunlight or when dusty, dry air prevails.

If the eyes are affected, it is painful, and red eyes are unpleasant. Therefore, it is not only dry eyes that should be protected during sports and general outdoor exercise.

Treatment of conjunctivitis

Since conjunctivitis can have different causes, the treatment options also differ.

In bacterial conjunctivitis, eye drops or ointments with an antibiotic are used. There are no effective drugs for cold viruses or the highly contagious adenoviruses, but the symptoms of conjunctivitis can be alleviated by cooling compresses and eye drops.

In the case of an allergic conjunctivitis, the triggering allergens should be avoided if possible. Itchy and watery eyes can be treated with anti-allergic eye drops. For dry eyes, eye drops with moisturising substances help. Dry eyes are caused by a lack of tear fluid, which causes the tear film to rupture.

If external stimuli such as drafts, smoke or sunlight trigger conjunctivitis, these should be avoided as much as possible.

Home remedies for the treatment of conjunctivitis

Classic home remedies such as the already mentioned compress can definitely help relieve the symptoms of conjunctivitis. For this, a washcloth is sufficient, which, provided with quark or black tea, has an irritant, cooling and decongestant effect.

The medicinal plants eyebright and marigold have an anti-inflammatory effect, while chamomile is less recommended as a home remedy, as it can trigger allergies.

A warm compress also helps to remove mucus from the eye and curb discomfort such as itchy eyes.

How do I prevent conjunctivitis?

If you have sensitive eyes, you should protect various triggers such as smoke, pollen or drafts. Allergy sufferers should avoid allergens and athletes should take care to protect their eyes from external influences outdoors. Eye care does not only recommend wearing sunglasses if you are sensitive to light.

The absence of irritating cosmetics and the avoidance of overexertion of the eyes also contribute to the protection of the eyes. Incidentally, overexertion caused by uncorrected visual impairment can also be a reason for repeated conjunctivitis.

For people with refractive error, either clean their contact lenses regularly and thoroughly or wear sports glasses with appropriate vision, because even dirty contact lenses can lead to conjunctivitis.

Laser eye surgery as an alternative

Especially in sports, laser eye surgery is a popular alternative to correcting ametropia. Gentle methods offer a lifelong solution for defects such as laser nearsightedness, laser farsightedness, but also laser treatment of a corneal curvature. The cataract surgery is also supported by laser. With clear vision without glasses or grain tank lenses, any sport can be practiced carefree.

When do I need to see a doctor

Often conjunctivitis can be alleviated well with home remedies, eye ointments or eye drops and heals on its own within a few days. However, in some cases, the inflammation may last longer or be more severe.

If the infection spreads to other areas of the eye or if additional symptoms such as headache, severe eye burning or photosensitivity occur, an ophthalmologist should be consulted. The specialist can identify the exact pathogen and, if necessary, specifically prescribe an antibiotic.

In the laser eye centers in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, experienced ophthalmologists are available who not only specialize in laser treatments, but also provide comprehensive advice and treatment in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory eye diseases. Early medical evaluation protects your eye health and prevents possible complications.