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CONJUNCTIVITIS
Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria or by allergies. Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis easily spreads from one person to the next. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Viral conjunctivitis is the most prevalent form of conjunctivitis. This particular form of pink eye is highly contagious and often travels through schools and other crowded places. It typically causes burning, red eyes with a watery discharge. Viral conjunctivitis is generally caused by the same virus that results in a runny nose and sore throat in people with a cold.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious. An infection from bacteria results in this type of pink eye. With bacterial conjunctivitis, you may have red, sore eyes with traces of sticky pus in the eye. A few bacterial infections, however, may cause little or no discharge. In some cases, the bacteria that result in the pink eye are the same as those that result in strep throat.
Allergic conjunctivitis is a specific form of pink eye that arises due to an allergic reaction to certain triggers such as pollen, animals, cigarette smoke, pool chlorine, car fumes or other unidentified allergens in the environment. It is not contagious. Allergic pink eye causes the eyes to get very itchy, red, and watery, and the eyelids may also get puffy.
How do you contract conjunctivitis?
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can be incredibly contagious. The most prevalent ways to get the contagious form of pink eye include:
Direct contact with the infected person's bodily fluids directly through hand-to-eye contact.- Spread of the infection from bacteria residing in the person's own nose and sinuses.
- Failing to clean contact lenses adequately.
- Ill-fitting contact lenses or decorative contact lenses
- Children are most likely to get pink eye due to proximity.
Symptoms may include:
- The feeling that something is stuck in the eye or a gritty feeling in your eye.
- Red eyes
- Itchy or burning eyes
- Eye pain (this is usually caused by bacteria)
- Liquid discharge from the eyes
- Swollen or puffy eyelids
- Hazy vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Plenty of mucus, pus, or a dense yellow discharge from the eye
Treatment
There is no exact treatment for conjunctivitis caused by most viruses. Your body fights the virus independently. Using a cool, wet washcloth on your eyes can help to make you more comfortable. Some viruses, however, can cause corneal ulcerations and must be evaluated and managed as a matter of urgency.
If the pink eye is a result of a bacterial infection, your ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
If your conjunctivitis is a result of allergies, your ophthalmologist might prescribe specific eye drops to alleviate the itchiness and puffiness.
Sometimes, conjunctivitis can be a result of a chemical or other substance in your eye. In this case, rinse the eye thoroughly of the remaining substance. You might also be prescribed eye drops or ointment for the eyes.
If the condition is not resolved, please make an appointment with Dr Johann, as there might be a serious underlying issue.
How Do You Stop Conjunctivitis from Spreading?
- Use a clean, fresh towel or tissue each time you clean your face and eyes.
- Wash your hands frequently. Always wash them before and after eating, after visiting the bathroom, or after sneezing and coughing.
- Avoid touching the eyes. If you do touch them, wash your hands immediately.
- Bacteria can thrive in makeup, and this can lead to pink eye and even a life-threatening infection of the cornea. Do not use eye makeup while you have infected eyes. Always replace your makeup, especially if you have an eye infection. Never share makeup, particularly eye makeup.
- Make sure to sterilise and replace your contact lenses as advised by your ophthalmologist or optometrist. You should not wear contact lenses until the conjunctivitis completely disappears.
