Image by Jill Fulton from Pixabay
Pink eye is an incredibly common infection. It affects the thin membrane of the eye’s surface called the conjunctiva. When this becomes infected with bacterial, vial, irritant, or allergy-based conjunctivitis, it inflames the blood vessels, creating a sore pink-like appearance. Pink eye leaves sufferers with sore, itchy eyes. They might feel as though their eyes are full of grit, and there may be a yellow, mucus-style substance leaking from the eyes and sticking to their eyelashes overnight. It’s unpleasant, to say the least – you can find out more about conjunctivitis symptoms by clicking the link.
When you have conjunctivitis, you have to be careful that you don’t give it to others. Anyone can get conjunctivitis, although it is more prevalent in younger children and toddlers.
What kind of treatments are there?
Treatments for pink eye vary depending on the type of infection you have. Viral conjunctivitis – which is spread the same way a cold or the flu is spread – usually needs no medical intervention and will clear up by itself after a few days. Bacterial conjunctivitis is passed from person to person via contaminated objects. Bacteria requires an eye drop or ointment course of treatment. Allergy-based pink eye is usually relieved with antihistamine medicines and is often seasonal.
What should I do if I have pink eye?
When it comes to pink eye, preventing the spread of the condition is essential. If you notice that you or a family member are developing symptoms of pink eye, then speak with your doctor as soon as possible so you can determine what kind of pink eye you have contracted. You should also consider the following advice:
Wash your hands!
If you have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis then you must increase your handwashing, and every time you touch or rub your eyes, you should wash your hands immediately. This kind of virus can easily spread when we touch objects, such as towels or bedding, and then touch our eyes. Remember to wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. If someone is helping you administer your eye drops or you’re helping a child with pink eye, then you should consider wearing gloves.
No swimming!
Swimming whilst suffering from pink eye will not only aggravate your condition, but it also provides the perfect environment for pink eye to spread! So, avoid the pool at all costs.
Keep your eyes as clean as possible
The mucus that gathers around your eyes and in your eyelashes is unsightly and unpleasant, especially when your eyelashes are crusted together in the morning! Keeping your eyes free of mucus and gunge with a warm, wet cotton pad will aid in stopping the infection from spreading and help reduce discomfort. Remember to dispose of the tissue/cotton ball afterward and wash your hands! Remember to wear gloves and not touch your face if you’re doing this for someone else.
Speak with your doctor
Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you or a family member develop pink eye.