Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eyes, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is a thin, transparent membrane that protects the inside of the eyelids and white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis is a condition that causes redness and irritation in conjunctiva. According to a study by NCBI up to 40% of people experience allergic conjunctivitis during seasonal changes. Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes and often causes a gritty sensation, watering, or discharge from the affected eye. If you experience symptoms like this, book your appointment with one of the best ophthalmologists in Jaipur at CK Birla Hospitals.
Causes of Conjunctivitis:
- Viruses: They are the most common cause of conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with adenoviruses, the virus that causes cold and upper respiratory infections.
- Bacteria: Bacterial conjunctivitis affects children more often than adults. The affected person will experience thicker, yellow-green discharge from their eyes.
- Allergies: Allergic conjunctivitis occurs due to allergens present in the atmosphere and usually happens seasonally. It is generally accompanied by other allergy symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.
- Irritants: Chemicals, smoke, or foreign objects can also trigger conjunctivitis.
How Does Conjunctivitis Spread?
The spread of conjunctivitis largely depends on the cause:
- Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious and spread through direct or indirect contact with eye secretions. This can happen through sharing towels, pillows, or even handshakes if you touch your eye and then a surface that is touched by another person.
- Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is usually triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander present in the atmosphere.
- Irritant-induced conjunctivitis is also non-contagious but results from exposure to irritants like smoke, chlorine, or pollution.
Do’s and Don’ts
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Some of the most common symptoms of conjunctivitis are:
- Red or pink appearance in one or both eyes.
- Itching or burning sensation.
- Irritation or watery eyes.
- Discharge that can dry and cause the eyelids to stick together, especially in the morning.
- Increased sensitivity to light.
- Swelling around the eyes.
While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are typically manageable with proper care and hygiene.
Remedies for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Below are the 5 best remedies that can help you get relief from pink eye:
- Cold or Warm Compress: A warm compress helps in reducing sticky discharge, while a cold compress helps soothe the itchy and irritated eye. Always use a clean cloth for compressions.
- Do Not Touch Your Eyes: People usually tend to rub their eyes when they itch, but this is not advisable. You should avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can make your condition worse. Remember to wipe any discharge with a clean, moist cloth.
- Use Eye Drops Carefully: To get relief from irritation and dryness, you can use lubricating eye drops, but do not use any other type of eye drops without consulting a doctor. Do not touch the dropper with your eye to avoid contamination.
- Wash Your Eyes Gently: Do not touch your eyes with dirty hands. Always wash your hands before splashing water gently over your eyes.
- Complete Antibiotic Course: In case you have bacterial conjunctivitis, the doctor may prescribe you some antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Complete the course as directed by your doctor; stopping the antibiotics without completing the course can make your problem worse.
Pink eye can cause you discomfort and trouble, but with proper care and maintaining good hygiene, you can treat this condition without any complications. Understand how to manage pink eye and follow the above tips that might help you get some relief from the discomfort. Consult an eye specialist at CMRI if your condition persists for more than a few days and you experience continuous pain or vision changes. With proper measures, you can keep yourself and others around you safe.
FAQs
How long does conjunctivitis last?
- It depends on the type of conjunctivitis.
- Viral conjunctivitis may take up to 7–14 days, though severe cases may take up to 3 weeks.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis usually improves within a week with proper usage of antibiotic drops.
- Allergic conjunctivitis can be improved as you keep yourself away from the allergens causing it.
How can I prevent conjunctivitis?
- Wash your hands frequently
- Don’t rub your eyes
- Avoid sharing your towels
- Avoid doing eye makeup
- Reduce your exposure to the allergens
Does conjunctivitis spread through eye contact?
No, conjunctivitis does not spread through eye contact alone. It requires contact with contaminated surfaces or secretions from an infected person. For example, if someone touches their infected eye and then a doorknob, and another person touches the doorknob and then their own eyes, the infection can spread.
Does conjunctivitis cause fever?
Conjunctivitis itself usually does not cause a fever. However, viral conjunctivitis can accompany upper respiratory infections like a cold or flu, which may include fever as a symptom. In such cases, it is important to treat the underlying infection as well.
