Just like any other parts of our body, our eyes also need proper care and attention. In fact, without eyes, our lives will never be the same. Unfortunately, diseases, infections and other untoward conditions could also affect these precious parts of our body. One of these is commonly known as conjunctivitis. What is conjunctivitis? How do we get conjunctivitis?
Conjuctivitis, or otherwise known as pinkeye, is a time of infection that causes the inflammation of the conjunctiva and as well as the mucus membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. As we can see in a normal eye, the lining is usually clear. However, if it is affected with conjunctivitis or any kind of eye irritation or infection, it will turn red and will also become inflamed. Although pinkeye or conjunctivitis is very annoying and uncomfortable to have, this will usually go away within 7 to 10 days even without any treatment. Some of the common symptoms of conjunctivitis include eye redness or hyperemia, swollen eyelids, eye irritation or the sensation of something is in the eye, itchiness with burning feeling, mild light sensitivity and some eye drainage.
What are the causes of conjunctivitis and how do we get infected? Most cases of conjunctivitis are usually dues to viral or bacterial infections. Some even results from eye dryness due to too much sun or wind exposure and as well as eye contact with chemicals, fumes and smoke. Pinkeye can also occur as a result of allergies especially in food or even in some medications. Although most of its causes cannot be transferred from one person to another, bacterial and viral infections can actually spread very easily. Rubbing the eyes then immediately touching things can actually help spread the causative agent everywhere. This is the reason why we should never rub our eyes. In addition to this, constant hand washing is also advisable in order to prevent further contamination of different items.
Aside from this, viruses are also known to have no medical treatment, which is why prevention of its spread is the best thing that we can do in order to stop the infection. This can be done effectively having the right knowledge and proper hygiene practices. Sharing of personal items such as face towels and make up instruments must also be avoided in order to prevent the spread of the pinkeye. Once we are infected, we are also advised not to travel or go to public places in order to help limit the spread of infection. In case conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria, then antibiotics could be given in order to hasten the healing and recovery of our eyes. Once on antibiotic, we can already go to work or school without the risk of having to infect someone. Wearing of contact lenses is also not advised with people who have conjunctivitis since this can further irritate the eye condition.
These are just some of the important facts about conjunctivitis or pinkeye, which includes the different ways in preventing and stopping the spread of this particular infection. We must always remember, prevention is always better than cure.