Conjunctivitis Treatments and Symptoms

What is Conjunctivitis?

Have you been to a public function recently, or with relatives, and your eyes are progressively becoming grittier, sensitive redder or beginning to pus? It’s likely to be conjunctivitis, as it is generally highly contagious. It is more frequently called ‘pink eye’. It is one of the most common eye infections in the world, and is relatively easily treatable and painless (it can however be, highly uncomfortable and irritable).

Apart from being caught from another person infected, common catalysts include dirt, smoke and chemicals found in cleaners and pools.However, it can also be brought on by allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. In more specific terms, conjunctivitis is an irritation and infection of the conjunctivita, the outer layer of eye and protecting layer on the eyelids. Eye cultures taken by a doctor or examination through a slit lamp microscope are used to diagnose conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

While there are universal symptoms, such as sensitivity, irritated and red eyelids, the severity and type have different symptoms.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

If there is a lot of pus leakage and discharge from your eyes whether clear, yellow, grey or greenish, it is highly likely that you are suffering from bacterial conjunctivitis. Many patients with this infection also insist there is something stuck in or under their eyelids, however this is usually just the excess crust, pus and sensitivity present. Wateriness forming into tears are also a common symptom.

In most cases it effects one eye first, which then spreads to the other (as it is highly contagious).

Allergic Conjunctivitis

The least severe of the conjunctivitis strain, symptoms include itchiness and occasional swelling. Artificial tears can be utilized as well.

In most cases it effects one eye first, which then spreads to the other (as it is highly contagious).

Viral Conjunctivitis

After having a cold or flu, viral conjunctivitis may ensue, which means a watery discharge and minor to severe itching.

In most cases it effects one eye first, which then spreads to the other (as it is highly contagious).

Conjunctivitis Treatment

With time and proper hygiene, conjunctivitis often corrects itself. However, for a more speedy recovery, or if it is more severe than average, there are a number of ways and methods you can utilize to cure your eyelids.

For Bacterial Conjunctivitis, whatever the doctor prescribes, whether it be tablets of eye drops will be most effective, and should begin clearing in days. Age and severity will also be factors to consider in the time of treatment.

For Virus Conjunctivitis, antibiotics may nullify some symptoms of the infection, but it will only truly be gone when it has dealt it’s course in due time.

For Allergic Conjunctivitis, an icepack or anything cod may act as a slight relief, but antihistamines and medication will be the only true cure.

Some tips and help in order to protect yourself from obtaining the infection and spreading it are:

• Avoid sharing clothing, towels or make-up with anyone else.
• If you’re wearing contacts, forgo wearing them until the infection has been cured.
• As much as it’s driving you crazy, avoid or limit the amount you rub your eyes, however itchy they may be.
• Dab cotton balls in warm water and compress against your eyes to cleanse and relieve.

Pictures of Conjunctivitis

The following are pictures of conjunctivitis taken from patients.