Hi there. It’s Manzanilla Sophia with another eye care blog. Today, we’ll be discussing conjunctivitis. What is it? How does it affect your eyes? And how can you prevent it? Let’s talk about this painful infection so you can protect yourself and your loved ones from it.
Before we jump on the blog, we want to ask you; when was the last time you took a close look into your eyes? Check your eyelids for sores, tears, and makeup residue? Your eyes are so crucial to your health. Take care of them with the best chamomile eye drops, Manzanilla Sophia. Now, let’s dive deep into today’s blog.
What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent layer that covers the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eye. Most of the time, conjunctivitis is viral, but it can also be bacterial or allergic. Other less common causes are toxic and nonspecific.
Having conjunctivitis is very bothersome. Some symptoms include; red eyes, swelling, irritation, itching, and burning. So, keep reading to learn more about this painful illness.
What causes it
Conjunctivitis arises from various factors, including viruses, bacteria, allergies, irritants, or underlying medical conditions. The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, itching, tearing, discharge, and a gritty sensation in the eye.
Depending on the cause, the condition can be contagious, and it’s essential to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with others to prevent the spread of infection. Treatment for conjunctivitis varies depending on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, antihistamines, or other medications.
#1 - Viral
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious. A virus causes this type of pink eye, and it can spread quickly by coughing or sneezing. Another way to contract this conjunctivitis is by touching the affected area. The clean discharge caused by this type of pink eye is the most common type. It can be caused by herpes as well and show up with the flu and other viruses.
Unfortunately, antibiotics don’t work for this type of pink eye. However, You can always manage the symptoms and aches. Also, the good news is that it doesn’t last too long. You’ll feel better fast.
#2 - Bacterial
In the case of bacterial pink eye, the discharge becomes thick with a white, yellow, or green tone. It is a very contagious kind as well. This pink eye should clear in about two weeks. It also spreads through the air due to coughs and sneezes.
This condition will also clear out in about two weeks. If your condition worsens, seek medical help. A doctor can prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help you clear up faster. Some other conditions that can trigger pink include gonorrhea and chlamydia. Those are much less common, but the condition will be more severe.
#3 - Allergic
Allergies can lead to pink eyes. This type of conjunctivitis is not contagious. This condition can be triggered by pollen and dust mites. The main two symptoms are red and itchy eyes. You can take allergy medications to ease up the symptoms. Eye compresses and lubricating eye drops can also help you soothe and manage discomfort. Some people suffer from this condition chronically as the seasons change. Consult your doctor if you suffer from this condition to avoid triggering allergens.
#4 - Toxic
This type of conjunctivitis gets triggered by chemical factors such as liquids, smoke, or fumes. It is also known as chemical pink eye. It’s non-contagious but can be very painful. If you suffer a work accident and develop eye redness with irritation, seek medical attention fast.
#5 - Nonspecific
If you’ve developed pink eye that is unrelated to bacteria, allergens, or toxins, you have nonspecific pink eye. It usually goes away in a few days on its own. Check with your eye care provider if the condition worsens and lasts over two weeks.
How can I prevent it?
Conjunctivitis can be avoided. Practicing good hygiene is the best way to ensure you don’t catch this painful condition. Below is a list of tips you can follow to prevent pink eye.
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes.
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels, pillows, or makeup.
- Protect your eyes from irritants by wearing protective eyewear.
- Manage your allergies to reduce the risk of developing allergic conjunctivitis.
- Be cautious around others with conjunctivitis.
- Keep your contact lenses clean.
We hope this information was helpful and that you feel ready to protect your family against this painful and annoying condition. Remember, Manzanilla Sophia can help you alleviate the symptoms of pink eye. If you need support or have further questions, feel free to message us on Facebook or Instagram. Have you heard about our Facebook group? We created Amigas de Manzanilla, a group where women can support each other, share tips, recipes, and build a community. Join us in Amigas to learn more about achieving your dreams. For tired eyes, choose Manzanilla Sophia. We are available at Amazon, Walgreens, and Walmart. See you next week.
