Catarrhal Ophthalmia

Catarrhal ophthalmia is the inflammation with discharge of the conjunctiva, which is the mucous membrane covering of the eyes. Specifically, “catarrh” means mucous discharge linked with mucous membrane inflammation while “ophthalmia” refers to eye inflammation which usually refers to the conjunctiva. People with catarrhal ophthalmia feel as if there is sand in their eyes and may become sensitive to light. They also feel itchiness, irritability, and pain due to the rubbing of the inside of the eyelids with the inflamed vessels of the conjunctiva. Some of the causes of this condition include extreme change of atmosphere, and other irritants such as bacteria.