Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes, which can happen either due to any infection or without any infection. The clinical presentation involves redness of the eyes and watery discharge. Conjunctivitis can be due to viral infections, which is the most common one, followed by bacterial conjunctivitis. The non-infectious causes may be due to toxin exposure or allergic reactions. Conjunctivitis is one of the common causes of eye redness in hospitals and clinics. It is usually self-limiting, with extremely rare cases of conjunctivitis associated with vision loss. One major aspect of conjunctivitis treatment is to reduce the rate of transmission.
Ways to prevent conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is associated with a burning sensation, grittiness, redness, painfulness and itchiness of the eyes. In most cases, it can spread from one person to another through the watery discharge. To prevent the transmission of infection, follow the below-mentioned means:
- Avoid touching the eyes and its surrounding areas
- Maintain hand hygiene by washing regularly to stop the transmission of the virus or bacteria from the eyes through the hands
- Use washed towels and wear washed clothes every day
- Avoid makeup while infected. As bacteria can grow in cosmetics, refrain from sharing eye makeup with others.
- Use clean bedsheets and pillowcases
- Discard old eye makeup like kajal and mascara
- Do not wear contact lenses while infected.
Conclusion
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye infections, and the treatment depends upon the type of conjunctivitis. There is no particular medicine for viral conjunctivitis, and usually, the body is capable of fighting the virus. However, antibiotics are available for bacterial conjunctivitis. Eyedrops and medicines can provide symptomatic relief. Conjunctivitis goes away by itself in 1-2 weeks; however, if the symptoms persist, it warrants further diagnosis and required medical intervention. Consulting an eye specialist can be covered by the health insurance to ensure timely and appropriate care if needed. Through good personal hygiene practices, we can easily prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.