27 Jul What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye or conjunctivitis is a condition that leads to inflammation in the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the eye’s sclera or whites and inner eyelid surface. Different types of conjunctivitis can be infectious and spread quickly. Pink eye usually has a notorious reputation and is associated with burning and itching of the eyes upon discharge. Typically, the pink eye starts out in a single eye and quickly spreads to the second one.
Remember, even if conjunctivitis spreads to both eyes, it is unlikely to impair long-term damage to your vision. Pink eye is one of the most common eye issues in children and adults. However, it takes basic preventative measures and proper management to address conjunctivitis.
Symptoms of Red Eye
The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis include tearing, itchiness, redness, gritty feeling, and discharge, creating a crust at night and preventing the eye from opening when you wake up.
Pink Eye Causes
Usually, conjunctivitis occurs because of bacteria, allergies, and viruses. Similarly, if there is a chemical splash or a foreign object in your eye, it can also cause pink eye.
Bacterial, Viral, and Allergic Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can be allergic, viral, or bacterial. Mainly, bacterial and viral pink eye happens because of a cold and often shows respiratory infection symptoms. Both viral and bacterial pink eye is highly contagious types of conjunctivitis and can spread through direct or indirect contact. Similarly, allergic conjunctivitis causes intense inflammation, tearing, and itching of the eyes.
How to Prevent Spread of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is far more infectious than the common cold. If you want to put an end to the spread of conjunctivitis, maintain good hygiene.
Here are the best ways to avoid the spread of conjunctivitis:
- Regularly wash your hands
- Don’t touch your eyes with your hands
- Periodically use a clean washcloth and towel
- Don’t share washcloths and towels
- Regularly change pillowcases
- Don’t share personal eye care products or eye cosmetics
- Get rid of eye cosmetics like mascara
Pay a Visit to the Doctor
There is more than one severe eye condition that can lead to redness of the eye. And these conditions can lead to blurred vision, light sensitivity, and pain in the eye. If you experience any of these symptoms, get the urgent care of a professional eye doctor.
If you wear contact lenses and suffer from any of these symptoms, stop wearing them further to increase the severity of pink eye symptoms. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, then you need to make an appointment with a certified eye doctor. It is the best way to determine whether or not you have a severe eye infection.
Opt for Total EyeCare
With Total EyeCare, you can expect an up-to-date and modern eye treatment option. Our experienced, certified, and trained ophthalmologists conduct a thorough eye exam to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Maintain healthy hygiene throughout the year and if the pink eye still creeps in – book an appointment with one of our eye specialists today.