Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye,” is a common eye infection that causes the conjunctiva, the clear lining of the eye, to become inflamed. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:
- Red, swollen, and irritated eyes
- Watery or mucus discharge from the eyes
- Pain or discomfort in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
How Conjunctivitis Spreads
Conjunctivitis can spread through contact with the discharge from an infected person’s eyes. This can happen through direct contact, such as rubbing your eyes after touching an infected person’s eye, or indirectly, such as touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes.
How to Prevent Conjunctivitis from Spreading
There are a few things you can do to help prevent conjunctivitis from spreading:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
- Avoid touching your eyes.
- Do not share eye makeup or towels with others.
- If you have conjunctivitis, do not wear contact lenses until your doctor says it is okay.
- Clean and disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with the discharge from your eyes.
Treatment for Conjunctivitis
Most cases of conjunctivitis go away on their own within a week or two. However, if your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days, you should see a doctor.
Medications for Conjunctivitis
There are a few different medications that can be used to treat conjunctivitis. These include:
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointments, which are used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.
- Viral conjunctivitis does not usually require treatment, but your doctor may prescribe antiviral eye drops or ointments if your symptoms are severe.
- Antihistamine eye drops or ointments, which can help relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
Home Remedies for Conjunctivitis
There are a few home remedies that can help relieve the symptoms of conjunctivitis:
- Apply a cold compress to your eyes.
- Use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses.
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Conjunctivitis is a common and contagious eye infection. However, it is usually not serious and goes away on its own within a few days. There are a few things you can do to help prevent conjunctivitis from spreading, and there are also medications and home remedies that can help relieve the symptoms.
If you think you have conjunctivitis, it is important to see a doctor to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.