Conjunctivitis, is commonly called pink eye. People who have it suffer from inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the delicate, transparent tissue that covers the eye's white and borders the eyelid's inside. The most prevalent cause of pink eye is viral infections. Moreover, it can be brought on by bacterial infections, allergic reactions, and – in young children — partially opened tear ducts.
Although pink eye might be uncomfortable, it's unlikely to impair your vision, especially if you catch it early and take care of it. As the pink eye can spread quickly, getting a quick diagnosis and following the appropriate precautions can help contain its spread. Below, you'll find information about the many different types of conjunctivitis, their causes, symptoms, home cures, and treatments.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?
The primary sign of conjunctivitis is red or pink eyes, frequently accompanied by itchiness, wetness, or discomfort. In addition, you might also:
- Shed tears
- Have puffy eyes
- Experience a scratchy feeling in one or both eyes.
- Have light sensitivity
- Experience pain or some eyesight loss; if this is the case, see a doctor or optometrist immediately.
If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, your eyes may discharge a sticky yellow or green substance that might cause your eyelids to stick together, especially when you wake up from sleep.. If you have viral conjunctivitis, you may experience symptoms in one or both eyes, and the discharge is usually apparent. Allergic conjunctivitis typically affects both eyes, which may cause hay fever symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.
Types And Causes Of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis generally falls into one of three categories, they are infectious, allergic and chemical. Some of the causes of these types of conjunctivitis are:
- The most frequent cause of pink eye is a virus. Viruses that can cause pink eye include the common cold.
- There are many different types of bacteria which can cause bacterial conjunctivitis.
- Pollen, cosmetics, or other materials allergies can result in allergic conjunctivitis.
- Shampoos, cosmetics, contact lenses, grime, smoking, and pool chlorine can all cause chemical conjunctivitis.
Other Causes include:
- Sexually transmitted diseases. STIs can be brought on by bacteria (gonorrhea or chlamydia) or viruses (herpes simplex). STIs can bring on the pink eye in both adults and babies.
- Autoimmune conditions. Pink eye can occasionally be caused by illnesses that make your immune system overreact.
- An object in your eye that is foreign.
- Blocked or partially opened tear ducts in infants.
Treatment for Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis treatment is based on the underlying cause.The most effective chemical and allergic conjunctivitis treatment is limiting exposure to the irritant causing the inflammation. The discomfort brought on by allergic and chemical conjunctivitis can also be eased with the use of drugs.
Infectious bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. With antibiotic therapy, your symptoms will likely fade rapidly, but finishing the entire course of medication is crucial to lowering the possibility of pink eye returning.
The most typical type of conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, cannot be cured with conventional medications. Most of the time, viral conjunctivitis will go away within 10 to 14 days.
Some people like to use home remedies. In addition to applying a warm compress, your neighborhood pharmacy may sell eye drops that resemble your tears. These might aid in easing the symptoms of pink eye. Stop using contact lenses altogether until your pink eye is completely healed.
