• Conjunctivitis Symptoms & Treatments

    Conjunctivitis Symptoms & Treatments

    Conjunctivitis Symptoms & Treatments | Pink Eye Facts


    Conjunctivitis OR pink eye, a common eye disease, is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent layer covering the eye. Eyes are red, itchy, swollen and sometimes with a sticky discharge.




    People with conjunctivitis may experience the following symptoms:


    • A gritty feeling like something is in your eyes


    • Itching or burning sensation in one or both eyes


    • Excessive tearing


    • Discharge from one or both eyes


    • Swollen eyelids


    • Pink discoloration to the whites of one or both eyes


    • Increased sensitivity to light


    • pain


    • blurry eyes


    Types Of Conjunctivitis


    Viral Conjunctivitis

    The most common type of pink eye. This conjunctivitis is very contagious and often spreads through schools and other crowded places. It usually causes burning, red eyes with a watery discharge. Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by the same virus that causes the runny nose and sore throat of the common cold. If your conjunctivitis is caused by a viral infection, there are no specific treatments. Your body fights the virus on its own. Placing a cool, wet washcloth on your eyes can help make them feel more comfortable. In the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. However, these drops will not shorten the infection.


    Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection most often caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria from your own skin or respiratory system. Insects, physical contact with other people, poor hygiene (touching the eye with unclean hands), or using contaminated eye makeup and facial lotions can also cause the infection. Sharing makeup and wearing contact lenses that are not your own or are improperly cleaned can also cause bacterial conjunctivitis. Usually, there is a lot of sticky pus in the eye. Antibiotic eye drops are prescribed.

    Children are the people most likely to get pink eye from bacteria or viruses. This is because they are in close contact with so many others in school or daycare centers. Also, they don’t practice good hygiene.


    Allergic Conjunctivitis

    Allergic conjunctivitis occurs more commonly among people who already have seasonal allergies. They develop it when they come into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction in their eyes like pollen or animals etc. The irritation can also come from cigarette smoke, car fumes, pool chlorine or other toxic substances. The main symptom of allergic pink eye is itchy eyes. Other symptoms include red, burning and tearing eyes and puffy eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious



    How is conjunctivitis diagnosed?

    Conjunctivitis can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination.

    Contact Lens Wearers and conjunctivitis


    Take Better Care of Yourself | Self Care




    • Don’t touch your eyes with your hands.


    • Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.




    • Discard eye cosmetics, particularly mascara.




    • Follow your eye doctor’s instructions on proper contact lens care.


