Understanding Conjunctivitis
Most people know Conjunctivitis by its more common name, Pink Eye. Pink eye is a condition in which the eye - specifically the membranes that line the eye - becomes infected.
The result is red, irritated, itchy eyes. Those who experience conjunctivitis may also feel grittiness in their eyes, as if there was a piece of dirt in it.
There are several types of conjunctivitis – bacterial, viral and allergic. Some babies may suffer pink eye, however it is usually the result of an incompletely opened tear duct. Adults may experience pink eye as the result of pollen, bacteria, chemicals or foreign objects in the eye.
Pink eye is highly contagious. If you suspect you have pink eye, you should consult an eye doctor immediately. As well, be sure to wash your hands frequently if you touch or rub your eyes to decrease the chances of spreading conjunctivitis to other people.
The majority of cases of pink eye are cleared up within a few days or weeks. However, long-term cases can lead to more permanent eye damage. Pink eye can spread from one eye to another and can be passed back and forth indefinitely if treatment is not sought.
Viral Conjunctivitis: The symptoms of this condition usually appear as a watery discharge. Unfortunately there is no cure at this time for the viral version of this condition. The infection may last 2-3 weeks and may pass from one eye to the other. Be aware that the virus can infect others for up to two weeks after symptoms begin.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Symptoms include a yellow/green colored discharge that can turn into a crust overnight and can make it difficult to open the eye in the morning. Bacterial strains are often treated with antibiotic drops for adults. For younger children, ointments are often preferred as they are easier to administer.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic strains are often brought on by pollen in the eye and the patient may suffer other allergic symptoms such as coughing and sneezing. Drops may be prescribed as well as decongestants or other allergy related medicines.
For those who experience chemicals or a foreign object in the eye, they should flush the eye with warm water immediately to decrease the odds of obtaining an eye infection.
A doctor will usually conduct an eye exam to determine the type and severity of the infection or may take a sample of eye secretions to have them tested. If you experience pink eye, be sure to get treatment if possible, wash you hands and avoid touching your eyes until they heal.
The result is red, irritated, itchy eyes. Those who experience conjunctivitis may also feel grittiness in their eyes, as if there was a piece of dirt in it.
There are several types of conjunctivitis – bacterial, viral and allergic. Some babies may suffer pink eye, however it is usually the result of an incompletely opened tear duct. Adults may experience pink eye as the result of pollen, bacteria, chemicals or foreign objects in the eye.
Pink eye is highly contagious. If you suspect you have pink eye, you should consult an eye doctor immediately. As well, be sure to wash your hands frequently if you touch or rub your eyes to decrease the chances of spreading conjunctivitis to other people.
The majority of cases of pink eye are cleared up within a few days or weeks. However, long-term cases can lead to more permanent eye damage. Pink eye can spread from one eye to another and can be passed back and forth indefinitely if treatment is not sought.
Viral Conjunctivitis: The symptoms of this condition usually appear as a watery discharge. Unfortunately there is no cure at this time for the viral version of this condition. The infection may last 2-3 weeks and may pass from one eye to the other. Be aware that the virus can infect others for up to two weeks after symptoms begin.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Symptoms include a yellow/green colored discharge that can turn into a crust overnight and can make it difficult to open the eye in the morning. Bacterial strains are often treated with antibiotic drops for adults. For younger children, ointments are often preferred as they are easier to administer.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic strains are often brought on by pollen in the eye and the patient may suffer other allergic symptoms such as coughing and sneezing. Drops may be prescribed as well as decongestants or other allergy related medicines.
For those who experience chemicals or a foreign object in the eye, they should flush the eye with warm water immediately to decrease the odds of obtaining an eye infection.
A doctor will usually conduct an eye exam to determine the type and severity of the infection or may take a sample of eye secretions to have them tested. If you experience pink eye, be sure to get treatment if possible, wash you hands and avoid touching your eyes until they heal.
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