What Is Pink Eye And How You Can Get Rid Of It ?

Question

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition that affects millions of people all over the world every year.

What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the clear membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball.

When the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they become more visible. This is why the whites of the eyes turn reddish or pink.

Although pink eye can be irritating, it does not affect your vision. Treatment can ease the discomfort of pink eye

Because pink eye can be contagious, early diagnosis and treatment can help limit its spread.

Causes Of Pink Eye

Pink eye is commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, a chemical splash in the eye, a foreign object in the eye, or in babies usually an incompletely opened tear duct.

Common Symptoms Of Pink Eye

The most common pink eye symptoms include:

  • Redness in one or both eyes
  • Itchiness in one or both eyes
  • A gritty feeling in one or both eyes
  • A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning
  • Tearing

Prevention

Do practice good hygiene to control the spread of pink eye.

For example:

  • Don’t touch your eyes with your hands.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Use a clean towel and washcloth daily.
  • Do not share towels or washcloths.
  • Change pillowcases often.
  • Throw away eye cosmetics, such as mascara.
  • Do not share eye cosmetics or personal care items

Remember that pink eye is no more contagious than the common cold.

Go back to work, school, or child care if you can’t take time off just be consistent with good hygiene.

Treatment

Pink eye remedies vary depending on the cause. Many cases improve in a few days without medication.

Antibiotics are used to treat the symptoms of pink eye caused by a bacterial infection.

Here’s how long pink eye lasts and how to get rid of it:

  • Viral pink eye usually clears up on its own in a week or two without treatment. With complications, it may take longer. For more serious cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed (such pink eye caused by herpes simplex virus).
  • Mild cases of bacterial conjunctivitis often improve within a few days without treatment, but may last two to three weeks. Antibiotic ointments or ointments can speed recovery, reduce complications, and reduce the risk of transmission. Antibiotic treatment is usually recommended for severe symptoms, in people with weak immune systems, and in people whose symptoms are not improving.
  • Allergic pink eye usually clears up after exposure to the allergen is reduced or eliminated, or when treatment is given. Allergy medications and some eye drops can relieve symptoms.
    Pink eye caused by irritants usually improves after the irritant is removed. People who get pink eye from wearing contact lenses may need to change lenses or disinfectant solutions or take a break from wearing contact lenses.

Credit:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355

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