Conjunctivitis, often referred to as red eye, is a common eye condition that results in inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin tissue covering the front of the eye. If you're experiencing itchy, watery eyes or notice a sticky or crusty discharge at the base of your eyelashes, you might be dealing with conjunctivitis. While this condition usually affects one eye, it can quickly spread to both eyes within a few hours.
Causes
Conjunctivitis can have various causes:
- Infected Conjunctivitis: This occurs when a bacterial or viral infection inflames the conjunctiva.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergies to substances like pollen and dust mites can trigger this type of conjunctivitis.
- Irritant Conjunctivitis: Contact with irritants such as loose eyelashes, soaps, shampoos or chlorinated water can lead to this form of conjunctivitis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of conjunctivitis can vary depending on its cause. Common symptoms include:
- Redness of the eye(s), a result of inflamed blood vessels within the conjunctiva.
- Mucus discharge, caused by overactive mucus-producing cells and tear glands due to inflammation.
For those with infected conjunctivitis, additional symptoms may include:
- Burning sensations in the eye(s).
- Gritty feeling in the eye(s).
- Sticky coating on the eyes and eyelashes, often more noticeable in the morning.
- Enlarged lymph node.
Allergic conjunctivitis is typically characterised by itchy and watery eyes.
If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks or you experience eye pain, sensitivity to light, vision loss or intense redness, consult a medical professional. In some cases, further testing may be necessary to rule out underlying conditions, like chlamydia, which can lead to persistent infected conjunctivitis.
Treatment
Most cases of infected conjunctivitis resolve without medical intervention within two weeks. However, you can ease symptoms at home. For treatment, consider the following:
Self-Care Tips:
- Regularly wash your hands to prevent spreading the infection.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses until the infection has cleared.
- Gently clean sticky discharge from eyelids and eyelashes with water-soaked cotton wool.
- Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to relieve soreness and irritation.
- Avoid rubbing itchy eyes.
Antibiotic Eye Drops Antibiotics are not commonly prescribed for conjunctivitis, but in severe cases, they can help. The two primary types of antibiotic eye drops are chloramphenicol and fusidic acid. Follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet for the best results. Note that these drops may briefly cause blurred vision, so avoid driving or operating machinery immediately after use.
Prevention
To reduce your risk of contracting conjunctivitis:
- Avoid touching your eyes until you've washed your hands if you've been near someone with an eye infection.
- Use antibacterial sprays and cleansers in public places, especially classrooms and day-care centers.
- Keep bedding and towels clean if someone in your home has a bacterial eye infection.
- Encourage frequent handwashing for the infected person.
- Maintain good hygiene for contact lens wearers, washing hands before handling lenses, solutions and cases. Avoid wearing lenses while sleeping, especially breathable hydrogel lenses.
- Prioritise sleep and a balanced diet to maintain a strong immune system, reducing the risk of infections.
Visit Us
Select your preferred Gilbride Pharmacy branch to visit their page and inquire about this service or simply walk in when it suits your schedule. We are committed to protecting your health and well-being.