Watch this video on YouTube
Pink eye, also known as Conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear, thin membrane that covers part of the front surface of the eye) and is caused by various reasons. It is relatively common, and there are more than a crore cases yearly in India.
Did you know? Conjunctivitis has been reported in many COVID Patients.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
If you notice these symptoms in your eyes, it is best to seek immediate professional help to prevent its spread. The symptoms of pink eyes include:
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Itching sensation in the eyes
- Excessive Tears running down from your eyes
- Yellow/White/Green Discharge
- Crusty discharge from the eyes
- Blurry Vision
- Swollen Eyes
- Redness
- Heightened Light Sensitivity
- Grittiness/Irritating Sensation in the eyes
- Matting of eyelashes
There are other symptoms too, which are rare – for example, chills, fever, etc.
Risk Factors of Pink Eye
- Exposure to chemicals
- Exposure to contaminated areas
- Contact with affected people
- Allergies
- Lack of hygiene
- Improper use of contact lens
Causes of Pink Eye
While it may be challenging to know the exact cause of pink eye in a patient, it is essential to understand some factors that may cause pink eye. The causes of pink eye include:
Allergies: Pink eye can be caused by allergies. Allergens can trigger your body to respond a certain way. Allergens like pollution, animal dander, dust mites, pollen, etc., can cause inflammation by getting into your eye. It is not known to be contagious; however, it is recommended to seek a doctor’s consultation. Additional symptoms include sneezing + itching Infections
Infections
- Bacterial Infection – Bacterial Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria from your skin and is often a result of lack of hygiene, insects, etc. It mostly happens in kids and is known to be contagious too.
- Neonatal Bacterial Infection – This Infection specifically occurs in newborn babies and should be treated immediately to prevent serious repercussions.
- Viral Infection – It is caused by viruses that result in the common cold and even COVID-19. The virus can be transmitted through exposure to contaminated droplets. It is highly contagious.
Chemicals
Pink Eye can be caused by exposing yourself to harmful chemicals, pollution, cleaning items, and smoke.
Other Causes of Pink Eye
Other causes include Pink Eye due to:
- Infected Cosmetics
- Infected Swimming Pool
- Contact lenses
- Solution of Contact Lenses
- Being surrounded by someone with a pink eye
- Contact with a foreign object, etc.
Treatment
The treatment can depend on what exactly caused pink eye. The treatment of pink eye includes:
For Allergic Conjunctivitis
Pink eye, in this case, can be treated by cold compress and removing the allergen from the eyes. You may also need steroids and medications as prescribed by your eye specialist. Removal of Allergies can cure this condition completely. Prefer wearing hats and taking adequate precautions during the allergy season to avoid conjunctivitis. topical, oral, as well as shots, are available to treat allergic conjunctivitis.
For Infectious Conjunctivitis
- Bacterial Infection – Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated by consuming antibiotics. Ointments and eye drops help and gradually decrease the discomfort (a week).
- Neonatal Bacterial Infection – Ointments, Steroids, Eye Drops, etc., can be used to treat this. Gently clean the eyes of the newborn with cotton dipped in hot water.
- Viral Infection – Cold compresses and steroids can help to a certain extent; however, it is highly recommended that you do not go out for a minimum of two weeks, considering the contagiousness of the virus.
- Chemical Conjunctivitis – Warm compressions and saline flushes can significantly calm down chemical conjunctivitis significantly.
- Other Causes – Other causes can be treated easily too, and the treatment depends on various factors.
Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Pink eye is contagious, and the period of contagion depends on whether the pink eye is viral or bacterial. Viral Infections can be super contagious, and proper care must be taken to avoid exposing other people to this condition.
Prevention of Pink Eye
With proper prevention, pink eye can be avoided. You can prevent the transmission by
- Not touching your eyes – This can be the number one cause of conjunctivitis, especially during the pandemic. Therefore, it is imperative to keep this in mind and avoid touching your eyes.
- Following proper hand hygiene – by washing your hand properly with soap for half a minute as and when required thoroughly. This can ensure that you do not transfer the virus/bacteria from your hand.
- Cleaning your glasses properly – to prevent any bacteria/virus build-up.
- Ensuring appropriate use of contact lens – and disposal of the same as well as the contact lens solution as soon as you can. Do not use Contact Lenses if you have contracted pink eyes.
- Not sharing your items with anyone else – which involves contact with your eyes.
- Avoiding going out unless extremely necessary – if you have contracted pink eyes primarily due to viral infection.
- Avoiding wearing any eye makeup if affected – and make sure you dispose of makeup causing the pink eye.
- Taking proper precautions during the allergy season – and get your allergies tested.
- Avoiding using swimming pools – as they contain chemicals that can trigger pink eyes.
- Ensuring that you wash the discharge from your eyes often – remove the discharge with hot water and a cotton ball at frequent intervals and wash your hands thoroughly after the same.
- Keeping your surroundings clean – by washing everything that comes into contact with your eyes regularly. Keep your pillows, phone, makeup brushes, etc., clean always.
Final Thoughts
Conjunctivitis should not be ignored and should be treated immediately. It can last for a few days and even a few weeks, depending upon several factors. It is more prominent in children, and proper measures should be taken to prevent this condition.
If you can spot any symptoms, please consult a doctor. They conduct a special and elaborate eye examination which helps in diagnosing the problem much better. We at Shekar Eye Hospital are leading eye specialists in India and shall treat this condition immediately and effectively.
Prevention is better than cure, so take care of your eyes and maintain good hygiene to prevent this painful condition.
