Conjunctivitis: A Comprehensive Guide to the Pink Eye!

Conjunctivitis Pink Eye Condition

Conjunctivitis Pink Eye is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. It covers the white part of the eyeball. The white part of the eye turns red or pink when the small blood vessels in conjunctiva inflame. Generally, the condition does not affect the vision. However, it can be quite irritating, causing discomfort. The very condition is contagious, henceforth, the early diagnosis and treatment are important. Causes of Conjunctivitis Pink Eye are a virus, bacteria, irritating substances including pollutants and chlorine infected water, allergens, shampoos with unadvisable chemicals and sexually transmitted diseases.

Conjunctivitis Pink Eye Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms related to conjunctivitis include:

• redness in eyes
• itchiness
• gritty/stony feeling in eyes
• excessive tearing
• increased sensitivity to light
• yellow discharge that accumulates on eyelashes in the morning
• blurry Vision

Risk factors

Some of the risk factors include:

• exposure to allergic substances (allergic conjunctivitis)
• gettui Exposure to someone infected with the viral or bacterial form of conjunctivitis Using contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses

Diagnosis

A person dealing with the condition must see an ophthalmologist if any of the symptoms are present. Ophthalmologists examine the eyes and generally take a fluid sample and cells from the eyelid with the help of cotton. Afterward, the specialists/doctors can check the bacteria or viruses in the sample with the help of the microscope.

Treatment

As discussed, there are different ways to catch conjunctivitis. Thus, must be cured differently as well.

Bacteria

Antibiotics prescribed by the doctors can help the cure bacteria-caused conjunctivitis. The antibiotic can be in the form of eye drops, lotion/ointments, and pills. Generally, doctors advice to use the ointments or lotion for five to seven days and for around three to four times a day. In the case of children, instead of ointments, oral medicines/pills can be an option. Because the ointments may enter the child's eye and cause a problem. The results are visible within a week time. However, a person dealing with the condition must continue using medicines for some time, as per the doctor, even when the symptoms are not visible.

Virus

Generally, viral conjunctivitis infects one eye first and then it runs to the other eye. However, the symptoms gradually go away on their own. Because, in most of cases, the condition occurs due to the common cold and some cold suppressants can help the person to feel better. Just like the cold, virus conjunctivitis also disappears in some time.

Irritating substance

Sometimes, the condition occurs because of the introduction of some irritating substance. The substance runs in the eye and causes redness. One can use warm water to clean the eyes and remove the substance. The redness generally goes away in 3-4 hours. However, if the redness stays for long, one should see a doctor.

Allergies

In allergy-causes conjunctivitis, one must consult an ophthalmologist and an allergist. The condition gets better with the intake of antihistamines or when the allergy-causing agent, allergen goes away. One can opt for temporary relief by using a cold compress on closed eyes.

Sexually Transmitted

Sexually-transmitted conjunctivitis is spread, when a person touches or rubs the eyes after touching infected genitals. For treatment, doctors prescribe pills, eye drops, and ointments. etc. One must consider treating and diagnosing the disease to avoid further infections.

Home Remedies

One can try to control the condition at home by following some remedies:

Using Compress:

One can apply a compress on the eyes. In order to create a compress, one should soak a clean cloth (lint-free) in water, squeeze it and apply on the eyelids. Use of cold water can help give a soothing feeling to the eyes. However, warm water is also an option as per the choice. If the infection is in only one eye, rubbing the other eye with the same compress should not be done.

Eye Drops:

Some of the eye drops contain antihistamines and other medications to help get rid of allergic conjunctivitis.

Avoid Contact Lens:

If one is using disposable contact lenses, timely disposal of the same can be helpful to prevent the condition from happening again. Also. one must consult the doctor to know if the contact lens is fit for use as per the eye conditions. Changing the cleaning solution and cleaning the lens case can also help to prevent the condition to occur again.

Bibliography

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8614-conjunctivitis-pink-eye/management-and-treatment https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376360 https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-conjunctivitis#1 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8614-conjunctivitis-pink-eye/diagnosis-and-tests https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355