Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common eye problem. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or allergies. Although different types of pink eye share similar symptoms, not all of them are contagious. Only bacterial and viral conjunctivitis.
Pink eye can affect one or both eyes, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that covers part of the surface of the eye and the inside of the eyelid.
Types of pink eye
Bacterial
Bacterial conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye problems, it is more common in children, and it causes eye redness, pain, and sticky pus. The bacteria that cause this type of conjunctivitis can be found on the hands, in makeup, contact lenses or facial moisturizing lotions. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also cause bacterial conjunctivitis. Gonorrhea and chlamydia, for example, can lead to a more severe type of pink eye. An infected pregnant woman can contaminate the baby with conjunctivitis at birth.
Why do doctors recommend antibacterial drops for children?
Conjunctivitis is a serious problem when a child becomes infected at birth due to STDs. This can happen even if the mother does not have symptoms. Doctors will immediately treat infants with antibiotic ointment or eye drops. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as ulceration, corneal perforation, blindness and chlamydia pneumonia. In severe cases, treatment should be started without waiting for the results of transplantation.
What to do about newborn eye injury
Widespread
- Viral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious type of conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus or herpes simplex virus. People with this type of pink eye often notice larger blood vessels, photophobia, pain, pseudomembranes, and watery discharge in the eye.
Allergies and irritability
- Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, and people with allergies are more susceptible to this type of pink eye. Allergic conjunctivitis often occurs during allergy season and is usually short-term. Chronic allergic conjunctivitis, a long-term problem, can occur throughout the year and can be caused by food or animal dander, for example.
- People with allergic conjunctivitis also have red, watery and painful eyes, but this type of pink eye is characterized by severe itching and exposure to allergens.
Is pink eye contagious?
- Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious, and they spread as long as the person has symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
- A comprehensive eye exam can diagnose the problem and diagnose the type of conjunctivitis. Your ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist can then determine the appropriate treatment.
How to treat pink eye infection
Treatment of bacterial and viral conjunctivitis also prevents the spread of the condition.2 Mild cases sometimes do not need treatment, and people can deal with discomfort using artificial tears.
- Antibiotic drops or ointments are used to treat bacterial pink eye. The condition may improve after three or four days of treatment, but patients need to take a full dose of antibiotics to prevent recurrence.
- Cases of viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated with antibiotics, and the virus will have to take its course and usually disappear within 14 days or in some cases three weeks. Doctors may prescribe antiviral medications to treat more serious forms of conjunctivitis, such as conjunctivitis caused by the herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus.
How to give drops to children
Conjunctivitis is a common problem in children, and it can be difficult to give them eye drops or ointments. The following tips can make the process easier and safer:
- Before the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly and minimize distractions in the room
- If the child is old enough to understand, explain to him that you will need to use medication
- Put a drop of it on their hands, so that they know that it is painless
- Explain what the child might feel, such as blurry vision for a short time
- An infant or child who is too young to cooperate may be wrapped in a sheet or blanket to restrict his or her arms
Pink eye shadow is contagious when you have symptoms. The best thing during this stage is to avoid crowded places and wash your hands frequently. In this way, you can avoid transferring them to other people.
How to treat non-infectious pink eye
Antihistamines are the most effective drugs in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, and can reduce symptoms such as swelling and itching. Symptoms will also disappear when the cause of the allergy is removed. People with seasonal allergies are advised to wash their faces frequently and wear hats.
Preventing the spread of pink eye
There are simple habits that may prevent the spread of conjunctivitis when someone is infected.
- Avoid touching the eyes. Can make the condition more serious
- Change towels daily and wash separately
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently during the day
- Do not share personal items when you are injured
- Get rid of eye cosmetics you used during your injury
- Good personal hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of pink eye. People who have had pink eye or near a person with pink eye should wash their hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands is also effective.
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