Even if you don’t use contact lenses, it is possible to develop an eye disorder called conjunctivitis. This condition is very common. But there’s a way out of this. Our guide can help you resolve conjunctivitis quickly.
What causes conjunctivitis?
There is a part of the eye called conjunctiva. It is a clear mucousal membrane lining the inner eyelid surface and front surface of the eyeball. When this area gets inflamed, it is called conjunctivitis or pink eye.
Eye itch and irritation are the early symptoms of conjunctivitis. Again, the eyes progresses from being pink with light veins to deep red with significant veins. Waking up to pink eyes can cause concern. But overall, it causes no pain. However, the fact that the eyes turn red is the disturbing and embarrassing part of this condition. The good news is conjunctivitis can disappear fast when treated early and appropriate cautions are observed.
Most of the time the following are responsible for conjunctivitis:
- A virus, and it’s called viral conjunctivitis
- A bacteria, and it’s known as bacterial conjunctivitis
- Allergy (allergic conjunctivitis)
How to treat conjunctivitis
This eye condition can be treated in simple ways and often don’t progress into serious issue. A medicated antibiotic eye drop is the usual treatment for conjunctivitis. Less serious cases of pink eyes often resolves on its own.
Does conjunctivitis last long?
Depending on what is causing the conjunctivitis, the condition can be present from a couple of days to one month. Conjunctivitis caused by virus can spread very fast, but can disappear from a couple of days to 2 weeks. The bacterial type can stay for a month even where antibiotic eye drop is used as treatment.
Quick ways to handle conjunctivitis
Normally, conjunctivitis disappears in a matter of days. But you can do something about this eye infection to stop it from spreading and make the healing faster. These are ways to get there:
- For 2 to 3 times daily, wipe the affected eye with clean cotton bud soaked in warm water. Carefully clean the mucus off the eye area. And please keep your hands clean before doing so. This will ensure no bacteria or debris gets into the eye.
- Get to see your eye doctor, a GP or pharmacist for help with a prescription antibiotic, medicated eye drops, or allergy medication. Commonly prescribed antibiotics for pink eyes are fusidic acid and chloramphenicol. A case of viral conjunctivitis can be alleviated with artificial tears, and for sure they bring relief to pink eye symptoms.
- The use of contact lenses you must avoid until the pink eyes clear. This is because your eyes will need moisture and fresh supply of oxygen as it begins to heal. So your eyes will not cover. However, you can use prescription glasses as healing takes place.
- It is normal for pink eyes to itch. You will want to respond by rubbing them. But as much as possible try not to do this. Don’t even touch the eyes. Bacteria will transfer this way. Don’t allow anything come in contact with the eyes. If you have long hair, do well to tie it up and away from the face.
- You should avoid putting makeup at this time. Avoid eye makeup for now. Chemical components of makeups can increase the severity of pink eyes. Do not use soap and face washes when you have pink eyes. These solutions have artificial ingredients. So, it’s better you go for products that are natural, free from fragrance and preservatives that won’t do the eye area any harm.
- After bath, clean your face with a fresh, dry towel. Don’t rub the eye area to dry, rather pat the area gently. Rubbing will cause the eye to become more tender.
Conclusion
Another way to deal with conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or virus is through the application of warm compresses. Please watch your eye colour closely to see if there are discolouration or changes. And don’t hesitate to visit your optician or GP near you when your eye colour changes. By caring for yourself in this manner, you won’t develop any serious eye problem.
We hope that this guide was useful. Should you have need for more information on pink eyes and ways they can be kept at bay, don’t be a stranger – simply schedule a consultation with us at Privatedoctor.london, and let’s see how we can help you.
