A Simple Guide To Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation found within both children and adults.  This article is presented to help in the education about the condition and should not be used as a replacement for medical advice or treatment. Please consult your medical professional for a proper diagnosis and advice.

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva(the white of the eye and inner lining of eyelids).

It is one of the most common and treatable eye infections in children and adults.

What causes Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus bacteria irritating substances (shampoos, dirt, smoke, and especially pool chlorine) allergens (substances that cause allergies).

Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria, viruses can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly.

What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

Some of the symptoms of conjunctivitis include the following:

1. Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid.
2. Tears overflowing.
3. Yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep. Other discharge from your eye (green or white).
4. Pain in the eye.
5. Itchy eyes (especially in conjunctivitis caused by allergies).
6. Burning eyes (especially in conjunctivitis caused by chemicals and irritants).
7. Blurred vision.
8. Sensitivity to light

How is Conjunctivitis spread?

Bacterial or viral Conjunctivitis can also be spread through hand contact when rubbing the eyes or touching contact lenses after touching infected skin.

Being around a person who has conjunctivitis and wearing contact lenses may increase your risk of getting conjunctivitis, but the outcome is usually very good with treatment.

How is Conjunctivitis treated?

Bacteria: Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics. The antibiotic can be given as eye drops, ointments, or pills. Eye drops or ointments may need to be applied to the inside of the eyelid three to four times a day for five to seven days.

Virus: No Medicine can treat conjunctivitis caused by a virus. This type of conjunctivitis often results from a common cold. You may, however, help relieve symptoms by applying a cold compress.

Irritating substance:For this type of conjunctivitis, use warm water for five minutes to wash the irritating substance from the eye.

Allergies:Allergy-associated conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamines or when the allergen is determined and removed.

How to relieve symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

The following is a list of basic remedies that can help relieve the symptoms of conjunctivitis.

1. Protect your eyes from dirt and other irritating substances.
2. Do not use contact lenses, if you wear them.
3. Place cold compresses on your eyes.
4. Wash your face and eyelids with mild soap or baby shampoo and rinse with water to remove irritating substances.
5. Do not rub your eyes with hands that are not washed.
6. Do not use the same bottle of drops in the other eye if it is not infected.

How to prevent spreading Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can spread easily – but the following tips will help prevent spreading.

1. Do not touch or rub the infected eye(s).
2. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
3. Wash any discharge from your eyes twice a day using a fresh cotton ball or paper towel. Afterwards, discard the cotton ball and wash your hands with soap and warm water.
4. Wash your bed linens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water and detergent.
5. Avoid wearing eye makeup. Don’t share eye makeup with anyone else.
6. Do not wear another person’s contact lens.
7. Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Throw away disposable lenses or be sure to clean extended wear lenses and all eyewear cases.
8. Avoid sharing common articles such as unwashed towels, cups, and glasses.
9. Wash your hands after applying the eye drops or ointment to your eye or your child’s eye.
10. Do not use eye drops in a non-infected eye that were used for an infected one.

Disclaimer

Please note that this information is provided for educational purposes and should not be used to make medical decisions.  Please consult your licensed optometrist or medical professional for a proper diagnosis and advice.

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