İs easily spread from person to person. The most common cause of conjunctivitis is infection with bacteria or a virus. This often happens when bacteria are introduced to your eye. For example, this can happen when you touch your eye or wear contact lenses. Allergies are also a common cause of conjunctivitis. The cells in your conjunctiva can react to an allergen. Some examples of allergens include grass, dust, animal fur, or mascara.
What are the signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis?
You will usually have symptoms in both eyes if your conjunctivitis is caused by allergies. You may also have other allergic symptoms, such as a rash or runny nose. Symptoms will usually start in 1 eye if your conjunctivitis is caused by a virus or bacteria. You may also have other symptoms of an infection, such as sore throat and fever. You may have any of the following:
Redness in the whites of your eye
Itching in your eye or around your eye
Feeling like there is something in your eye
Watery or thick, sticky discharge
Crusty eyelids when you wake up in the morning
Burning, stinging, or swelling in your eye
Pain when you see bright light.
How is conjunctivitis treated?
Your conjunctivitis may go away on its own. Treatment depends on what is causing your conjunctivitis. You may need any of the following:
Allergy medicine: This medicine helps decrease itchy, red, swollen eyes caused by allergies. It may be given as a pill, eye drops, or nasal spray.
Antibiotics: You may need antibiotics if your conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria. This medicine may be given as a pill, eye drops, or eye ointment.
Steroid medicine: This medicine helps decrease inflammation. It may be given as a pill, eye drops, or nasal spray.
· Wash your hands often: Wash your hands before you touch your eyes. Also wash your hands before you prepare or eat food and after you use the bathroom or change a diaper.
· Avoid allergens: Try to avoid the things that cause your allergies, such as pets, dust, or grass.
· Avoid contact: Do not share towels or washcloths. Try to stay away from others as much as possible. Ask when you can return to work or school.
· Throw away eye makeup: Throw away mascara and other eye makeup.
You have worsening eye pain.
The swelling in your eye gets worse, even after treatment.
Your vision suddenly becomes worse or you cannot see at all.
Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Op.Dr.Ahmet UMAY
Bristol University / Ophtalmology Section United Kingdom
Resource : Bristol University -Ophtalmology Section
Drugs.com
