The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is by taking a proactive approach. Here are seven ways you can help yourself avoid a reaction. Allergies are a common occurrence in many people’s lives, with over 50 million Americans affected yearly. Allergic reactions occur when the...
Read More... Sep 29, 2022Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eye. The small blood vessels appear pink or red when they become inflamed.
Symptoms of pink eye include a redness in one or both eyes, itching in one or both eyes, a gritty feeling in one or both eyes, a discharge in one or both eyes that forms during the eye and makes it difficult to open them in the morning.
The causes of conjunctivitis are viruses, bacteria, allergies, a chemical splash in the eye, a foreign object in the eye or in new-born babies a blocked tear duct.
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can occur alongside cold and flu or wearing contact lenses that aren’t cleaned properly can cause bacterial conjunctivitis. Both types are very contagious, and spreads by direct or indirect contact with the liquid that drain from the eye of someone who’s infected.
Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and is a response to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen. Your body produces an antibody called immunoglobin E (IgE) in response to the allergen, which triggers cells to release inflammatory substances such as histamines, which cause the pink eye. You may also experience more itching, tearing of the eyes and watery nasal discharge with allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis can be controlled with allergy eyedrops
Conjunctivitis is also caused by irritation such as a foreign object in the eye. You may experience watery eyes with a mucous discharge, which will usually clear up on its own within a day. Flushing and cleaning the eye should help clear up the irritation. In the event of a chemical splash in the eye, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Contact lens wearers will be advised not to wear their lenses until the conjunctivitis has cleared up. Lenses should be disinfected before use. In most cases antibacterial eyedrops won't help, as the infection tends to be viral, and can actually cause harm. The virus should be allowed to run its course, usually a week or two.
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