Conjunctivitis also known as pink eye is the inflammation of the conjunctiva that may be caused either by bacterial or viral infection and is contagious. Sharing of towels or rubbing the infected eye and touching the other can be a strong chain of infection. Pink eye is usually characterized by redness and swelling and accompanied by a feeling of roughness. In severe cases, mucoid sticky fluid or even pus may be discharged. This is common among children and is easily passed on among them.
Symptoms And Causes Of Conjunctivitis
Early symptoms of pink eye or conjunctivitis include:
- Swollen eyelids and reddish tinge to the white of the eyes.
- When you blink there is a sandy sensation.
- In allergic conjunctivitis there is tearing and itching.
- In viral conjunctivitis there is slight discharge and profuse tearing. In bacterial conjunctivitis pus-like discharge oozes out. Eyelids maybe crusted over when you wake up.
Causes Of Pink Eye Or Conjunctivitis
- If conjunctivitis becomes inflamed and red, and there is a white or yellow discharge from the eye then it is a bacterial infection.
- If white of both the eyes have turned red, accompanied by tears and there is little or no discharge then it is a viral infection.
- Direct contact like shaking hands with the infected person and touching your face; sharing of towels, lenses cleaned with expired solutions, unhygienic contact lenses can cause infections.
- Children who are infected in one eye spread it to the other with their fingers.
Home Remedies For Conjunctivitis Or Pink Eye
- Using of eye makeup and contact lenses should be postponed.
- For bacterial or viral infection, dip a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out and place it on the eye till it cools, then apply another warm one.
- Tea: Boil tea bags then cool them before applying on the affected eye. This can ease the discomfort of the infection.
- Chamomile: Mixed with water, this is applied as eye drops.
- Jasmine flowers: Soak the flowers overnight and use as eye drops the following morning. This is usually used during the stage of conjunctivitis where yellow discharges are present.
- Saltwater: This aids in decreasing the infection. Soak cotton balls in boiled saltwater and wipe it on the eyelids.
- Calendula: Aids in minimizing inflammation and alleviating itchiness due to its antiseptic property. This is used either as an eye wash solution or a compress.
- Honey: It may cause a little discomfort. Drops of honey are mixed with warm water then used as eyewash.
- Boric acid: This aids in soothing and cleaning the infected eye. A warm compress out of boric acid is applied on the affected eye.
- Eyebright: Few drops of eyebright tincture boiled with water then cooled, applied in the affected eye using a cotton ball.
How To prevent Conjunctivitis?
- If only one eye is infected (take care of the other), do not touch or rub it, discharge from the eyes should be wiped with tissue and disposed off.
- Strictly avoid sharing wash clothes, towels or eye makeup and wash your clothes separately.
- If you are in contact with a child who has conjunctivitis, then wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
- Infection can be easily transmitted by touching or rubbing your eyes, make an effort to avoid it
- Related Topics
- Pink Eye Treatment: Home Remedies and Natural Cure For Conjunctivitis
- How Long Is Pink Eye Contagious: Viral, Bacterial Pink Eye Symptoms
- Early Symptoms Of Pink Eye: Treatment For First Signs Of Pink Eye
- Conjunctivitis in Children | Symptoms and Treatment of Conjunctivitis
- Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Sore and Pink Eyes
