Eye conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, occurs when the membrane covering the sclera (the white part of the eye) is inflamed due to an infection or an allergic reaction. The viral conjunctivitis eye flu causes the eye to appear pink in colour due to the increased blood flow and inflammation of the conjunctiva. Eye diseases conjunctivitis is a fairly common issue for people of all ages. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), over 100,000 people sought treatment for conjunctivitis in Tamil Nadu alone in November 2022. However, this condition is treatable and not very serious.
How Long Does Eye Conjunctivitis Last?
Viral conjunctivitis eye flu can be short-term with the most uncomplicated cases resolving in 1 to 2 weeks, according to NIH. Long-term cases can last more than four weeks. You can suffer from conjunctivitis in one eye only or both eyes at the same time. Now that you understand eye conjunctivitis meaning, keep reading to learn about its causes, symptoms, cure, and treatment options.
Eye Conjunctivitis Causes
Before we move ahead and provide you the relevant causes behind this condition, there is one common question, which people usually ask: does conjunctivitis spread by eye contact? So, this condition is highly contagious and can be caused by coming in contact with a person suffering from eye conjunctivitis. Generally, eye diseases conjunctivitis is caused due to a viral infection but it can also be caused due to an allergic reaction or a bacterial infection. In small babies, this condition usually occurs due to an incompletely opened tear duct. Infectious eye conjunctivitis causes can be divided into four subtypes:
- Viral
- Bacterial
- Fungal
- Parasitic
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are the most common while parasitic and fungal conjunctivitis are uncommon or even rare. Non-infectious causes are those that do not spread from other people’s contaminated objects or surfaces. These can be:
- Irritants or Toxic Substances: These can include cosmetics, contact lenses, dirt, smoke, etc.
- Allergens: This includes moulds or pollens
- Tumours: These can include conjunctival tumours or cancerous tumours
- Injuries: This includes trauma that results in the damage of conjunctiva
Eye Conjunctivitis Symptoms
Though this condition is not serious, it can become more challenging and uncomfortable, hence knowing its symptoms can help you start treatment quicker for immediate relief. The most common symptoms include:
- Crusty eyes due to mucus or discharge, preventing your eyes from opening when you wake up
- Pain in the eyes (usually happens in bacterial infection)
- Redness and burning sensation in one or both eyes
- Teary or watery eyes with blurry or hazy vision
- A gritty feeling in one or both eyes
- Itchiness in one or both eyes
- Photophobia or sensitivity to light
- Puffy eyelids
Eye Conjunctivitis Treatment
This eye condition can be very irritating but it is not very critical and rarely affects your vision. Moreover, eye conjunctivitis treatment can help ease the discomfort and get you on your way to perfect health. Since this problem is contagious, it is important that it is diagnosed early and treated at the right time to limit its spread. Regardless of the cause, eye conjunctivitis cure is possible if the treatment is done promptly.
Medications
The most common treatment for this ailment is through medication. The medications usually include corticosteroids and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. The medications to treat different types of this eye condition include:
- Bacterial Infections: Antibiotics (eye drops, pills or ointment)
- Fungal/Parasitic Conjunctivitis: Antifungal and antiparasitic drugs
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and decongestants
Home Eye Conjunctivitis Remedies
Apart from medications, doctors often recommend eye conjunctivitis remedies that you can easily do at home. The most commonly used remedies are:
- Warm Compress: Use a clean wet washcloth to wipe any crusting on the eyelid. Keep a warm damp washcloth over the eyes to provide relief from the swelling.
- Rinse or Flush Your Eyes: Rinse your eyes with cold or warm water. This helps in removing allergens and soothes the eyes.
- Use Eye Drops: Nonprescription eye drops like artificial tears can help relieve symptoms of this eye disorder.
- Use Saline Solution: A gentle rinse from saline solution can help rinse out irritants and cleanse the affected eye.
Conclusion
Wrapping it up, you must have gained insights about what is conjunctivitis of the eye; briefing in short, eye conjunctivitis is not a serious condition but it is best to see a doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment. This condition does not have major complications, but in case symptoms persist and become uncomfortable you should receive treatment immediately to avoid further damage. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene and avoid touching your eyes even after your conjunctivitis clears.
