Conjunctivitis - Eye Flu or Pink Eye

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis (also called pink eye) is the most common eye infection. It causes soreness and swelling (inflammation) of the skin that lines the eyelid and the white part of eyeball (the conjunctiva). When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, they are more visible. This is what makes the eye appear reddish or pink.

Infectious conjunctivitis can be highly contagious and spread from one eye to the other and all around the family if precautions are not taken.

Types of Conjunctivitis

The four main types of conjunctivitis are:

1. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually infects both eyes and produces a heavy discharge of pus and mucus.
2. Viral conjunctivitis typically begins with one eye and causes lots of tears and a watery discharge.This is probably the most contagious form of pink eye.
3. Allergic conjunctivitis produces tearing, itching and redness in both eyes and sometimes an itchy, runny nose.
4. Giant papillary conjunctivitis is another form of pink eye. It is most frequently associated with the long term use of contact lenses.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

1. Eye redness
2. Something in the eye
3. Drainage from the eye
4. Swollen , red eyelids
5. Itchy or burning eyes
6. Crusty eyelids
7. Lots of tears
8. Sensitivity to light 

What you should not do—Don’ts

1. People with conjunctivitis should avoid public places and handshakes, sharing their clothing, bedding or sunglasses.
2. Do not rub your eyes
3. Temporarily avoid the usage of contact lenses.
4. Do not share your eye drops- it can cause cross contamination.
5. Do not use steroid eye drops or over the counter medicines from the chemist without consulting an ophthalmologist.

What you should do—Do’s

1. Frequent washing of hands with soap and water or sanitizer should be ensured by patient and everybody else around them.
2. Frequent eye wash with cold filter water and cold compresses with ice packs helps in relieving the symptoms.
3. To wipe eyes, use tissue paper and dispose it properly in the dustbin.
4. Wear sunglasses to avoid glare and accidental eye contact with fingers.
5. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to be used as prescribed by the eye specialist preferably have a separate set of eye drops for each eye. 

If you are suffering from Conjunctivitis, Meet our eye specialist today for a free consultation and eye checkup. - Click here Book an appointment now! (it's FREE)