What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva - the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye and the inner surface of your eyelid. When inflamed, the blood vessels become more visible, giving the eye a pink or reddish appearance.
Common Types
-
Viral Conjunctivitis
- Most common type
- Highly contagious
- Often associated with respiratory infections
-
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Caused by bacterial infections
- Can be serious if untreated
- Usually requires antibiotic treatment
-
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Triggered by allergens
- Often seasonal
- Frequently affects both eyes
Key Symptoms
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Itching and burning sensation
- Discharge (watery or thick)
- Grittiness or feeling of foreign body
- Increased tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Swollen eyelids
Treatment Options
Viral Conjunctivitis
- Usually self-limiting
- Cold compresses for comfort
- Artificial tears as needed
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointment
- Complete full course of treatment
- Regular eye cleaning
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Antihistamine eye drops
- Avoiding allergen triggers
- Cool compresses
Prevention
- Frequent hand washing
- Avoid touching or rubbing eyes
- Don't share personal items
- Change pillowcases frequently
- Dispose of eye cosmetics after infection
When to Seek Medical Care
- Severe pain
- Vision changes
- Intense redness
- Symptoms lasting >7 days
- No improvement with over-the-counter treatments
Recovery Tips
- Clean eyelids with warm water
- Use separate towels and washcloths
- Stay home from work/school if contagious
- Remove contact lenses until healed