Conjunctivitis also known as red or pink eye is a condition involving inflammation of the conjunctiva. It is caused by factors that include infections be it bacterial, viral or fungal, allergic reactions, reaction to eye medication.
Bacterial and viral infections are the most common causes of red eye and easily spread from person to person thus highly contagious. Both are contagious for as long as you have symptoms or until about two days after starting antibiotic treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes and makes them;
red
itchy
feel sandy or burn
produce pus discharge that sticks to lashes
watery
light sensitive
Management of conjunctivitis is usually by prescription of antibiotics and antifungal eyedrops for bacterial and fungal infections respectively, anti-allergy drops for for allergic reactions and symptom management usually for viral infections.
Because red eye can be contagious, getting an early diagnosis and taking certain precautions can help limit its spread.
To prevent the spread of infectious conjunctivitis, do the following;
Wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water.
Use clean face cloths especially when touching the yes.
Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and put used tissues in the bin.
Do not share personal items such as towels, pillows, eye drops, eye glasses.
Do not rub your eyes.
Also to note, not all presentation of red eyes is conjunctivitis so ensure to visit an eye specialist or doctor for the right management. Here at Lifeline International Hospital, we have all it takes to have you in your best condition always, visit our eye specialists at the hospital anytime any day.
Briefly understand what red eyes disease is all about