Conjunctivitis
What is conjunctivitis?
Also known as ‘pink eye’, conjunctivitis is inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva (the thin clear outer layer of the eye) and the eyelid. This causes the white part of the eye to look pink or red.
Conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection.1It can affect anyone but it’s especially common in children under 5 years of age. This infection can be extremely contagious if it’s caused by bacterial or viral infections. As it has the potential to affect vision it’s important to visit your doctor or Pharmacist for advice if you suspect you, or your child has conjunctivitis.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis
There are different kinds of conjunctivitis that may present differently. However, the typical signs and symptoms include:
red or pink eyes (one or both eyes may be affected)
redness behind the eyelid
swollen or puffy eyelids
excessive tears
yellow-green pus which dries when sleeping, causing a crust around the eyelids
sensitivity to bright lights
gritty feeling in the eyes
itchy or irritated eyes
Symptoms usually develop within 24 to 72 hours of being infected. They may last from two days to three weeks.
What causes conjunctivitis?
There are three types of conjunctivitis, each caused by different factors5:
Infectious — Caused by bacterial or viral infections, this type of conjunctivitis can be passed on to other people.
Allergic — This type is not contagious as it’s caused by allergens such as pollens. Allergic conjunctivitis is often accompanied by symptoms of hay fever.
Chemical or irritant — Caused by irritants such as chlorine, dust or other chemicals, or even abrasions or trauma to the eye, this type is not contagious.
Babies can also develop conjunctivitis if one of their tear ducts becomes blocked.
Treatment for conjunctivitis
Treatment will depend upon the type of conjunctivitis you have.
Infectious conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is often caused by the same virus that causes the common cold. As antibiotics can’t treat viruses, treatment is usually home remedies such as:
gently cleaning the affected eye with cotton balls soaked in warm water
discarding the used cotton ball to prevent recontamination
applying a warm compress
Bacterial conjunctivitis usually requires treatment with antibiotics, either in the form of eye drops or ointment. While symptoms usually disappear within a few days, it’s important you finish the full course of your treatment.
You should avoid sharing eye drops, tissues, make-up, towels or pillowcases with people who have infectious conjunctivitis. If you’re looking after your child who has pink eye, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching their eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis
As allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious, treatment won’t require antibiotics. Instead, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend antihistamine drops or tablets to help manage the allergic reaction. Avoiding the allergens you’re allergic to will also help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Chemical or irritant conjunctivitis
If a chemical has entered your eye, carefully flush your eye with saline solution for several minutes and seek immediate medical attention to prevent damage to your eye. For conjunctivitis caused by an irritant, treatment involves relieving symptoms. You can do this by applying a warm compress. Artificial tears may also help relieve discomfort.
When should you see a doctor?
Many eye conditions can cause inflammation or redness in the eyes, so it’s always a good idea to see your doctor or eye specialist to ensure you get the right treatment.
Conjunctivitis can cause the cornea of your eye to become inflamed which can lead to vision problems. This is why it’s important to visit your doctor (or optometrist) if you experience any of the symptoms of conjunctivitis. You should also see a doctor or eye specialist if:
home remedies have not alleviated your symptoms
you experience vision problems or light sensitivity
you feel like something is stuck in your eye.
Can you prevent conjunctivitis?
If you have infectious conjunctivitis, you should take the following steps to reduce the risk of it being passed on to other people:
avoid touching your eyes
wash your hands regularly
use a clean washcloth and towel daily
avoid sharing washcloths and towels
change your pillowcase often
avoid sharing makeup items
throw away your eye makeup to avoid being re-infected
You can also reduce the risk of developing conjunctivitis by:
changing contact lenses regularly
wear eye protection if you work with irritants or in a dusty environment
wearing goggles when swimming
avoiding allergens and other triggers, if known.
Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. Speak to your MediADVICE Pharmacist about your symptoms so we can recommend products and medications that may be suitable for you, or refer you to a doctor if necessary.
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