Conjunctivitis or Pink eye is a common eye condition that can affect both the adults and children. Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva (a thin layer of cells covering the front of eyes) turns red and swells up. Conjunctivitis is not usually serious, but it can affect both eyes and can be passed from person to person.
There are 3 Types of Conjunctivitis:
- Bacterial
- Viral
- Allergic
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- A red eye with sticky yellow or yellow/green discharge.
- Eyelids may be stuck together upon waking.
- It can affect one or both eyes.
- Usually spread by direct contact only.
Viral Conjunctivitis
- Viral Conjunctivitis is commonly associated with the term “Pink Eye”
- Red, itchy and watery eyes.
- Can affect one or both eyes.
- Highly contagious.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Very similar in appearance to viral conjunctivitis.
- Can accompanied by nasal congestion or sneezing.
- Itching & Swelling in eyelids.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Can affect one or both eyes.
- Not contagious
When to seek advice?
If you develop any of these symptoms, need urgent advice about your eyes.
if your vision becomes:
• More blurred over time, like wavy lines
• If the pain and redness are getting a lot worse
• The light starts to hurt your eyes (photophobia)
The do and don’t while you have conjunctivitis:
Don’t:
• Don’t share flannels, towels or pillows with anyone else.
• Don’t share your eye drops with anyone else.
• Don’t attend work while you have red, watery or sticky eyes (especially if you work with children, elderly people or patients, or if you handle food in your job).
• Don’t wear your contact lenses until your eyes are better and after 24 hours after the last dose of ointment/drops (if they were required).
• Do not rub your eyes
• Do not wear eye makeup.
Do:
• Wash hands regularly with warm water.
• Wash pillows and face cloths in hot water and detergent.
• Use disposable paper tissues to wipe your eyes.
