Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

You might be wondering what could be causing the redness, itchiness, and general discomfort in your eyes. If so, you might have conjunctivitis, which is a common eye infection.

In this article, I'll be providing you below with the causes, symptoms, and treatment of conjunctivitis.

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What Is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a very common eye infection. It's an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the whites of your eyes.

It can be caused by a variety of things, including bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Conjunctivitis can occur in one or both eyes, and it often causes a discharge that can make your eyes feel gritty, itchy, and sore.

If there's any way you're suspecting to have conjunctivitis, it's important to see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

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Causes of Conjunctivitis

There are a few different causes of conjunctivitis, but the most common one is a bacterial or viral infection. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by allergies, chemical irritants, or an injury to the eye.

No matter what the cause, conjunctivitis is a serious infection that should be treated as soon as possible. Conjunctivitis should not be left untreated as it's capable of causing vision problems. So if you think you might have conjunctivitis, it's important to seek medical attention immediately.

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Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

There are a number of symptoms associated with conjunctivitis, which is why it's often called "pink eye." These can include redness in the whites of your eyes, swelling, itching, a discharge that may be thick and crusty, and blurry vision. I'll suggest diagnosis and treatment if you have any of the symptoms of conjunctivitis mentioned above by your doctor.

Treating Conjunctivitis

Since conjunctivitis could be dangerous if left untreated, there are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms and help you feel better:

• Apply a warm, wet cloth to your eye several times a day. This will help soothe your eye and reduce irritation.

• Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness.

• Try over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines to reduce itching.

• If your eye is crusted shut, gently clean the crust with a wet washcloth.

If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days, or if they seem to be getting worse, call your doctor. You may need prescription eye drops or other treatments.

Prevention of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so it’s important to take steps to prevent its spread. If you have conjunctivitis, follow the steps below:

• Avoid touching your eyes.

• You must always try as much as possible to be washing your hands with soap and clean water.

• Don’t share towels or other personal items.

• Disinfect surfaces that might be contaminated, such as doorknobs, countertops, and phones.

• Throw away your eye makeup and contact lenses.

• Stay home from work or school until your symptoms go away.

Conclusion

Finally, to prevent the spread of pink eye, it's important to practice good hygiene. Make sure you keep your hands clean and don't share any of your personal items, such as towels, pillows, or bedding. If you do get pink eye, be sure to stay home from work or school until you're no longer contagious.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355#:~:text=Pink%20eye%20(conjunctivitis)%20is%20an,to%20appear%20reddish%20or%20pink.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8614-pink-eye