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The conjunctiva is the
thin transparent
membrane lining the
front of the eyeball and
the inside of the
eyelids.
Conjunctivitis, commonly
know as sore eye or pink
eye, is the inflammation
of the conjunctiva
caused by infection or
allergy. The tiny
blood vessels within the
conjunctiva are
irritated and enlarged.
Most cases of simple
conjunctivitis last from
five to seven days.
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Infection: Bacteria
or viruses may be
transmitted to the eye
via sources such as
contaminated hands,
towels, eye makeup, and
contact lenses. They may
also travel from an
infection in the nose up
through a tear duct and
into the eye. Both viral
and bacterial infections
are very contagious.
They can be easily
spread from person to
person.
Allergy:
Pollen is the most
common cause for
allergic conjunctivitis.
Other factors that can
inflame the conjunctiva
include eye makeup,
contact lens solution
and certain eye-drops.
Irritants:
These include dust,
smoke, fumes, air
pollution, chlorine in
the swimming pool, hair
spray etc.
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The affected eye may
have any of the
following symptoms:
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The white of the eye
looks red or pink
coloration
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Stinging and itchy
sensation
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The eye feels as if
there is something
in it
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Yellow discharge in
the case of
bacterial infection
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The eyelids may
become stuck
together with
discharges
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The eyelids may be
swollen
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Take the prescribed
medicines and
eye-drops as
instructed by your
doctor.
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If the
conjunctivitis is
due to
allergy/irritant,
identify the source
so that it can be
avoided if possible.
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Pay close attention
to hygiene to
prevent spreading
the infection.
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Do not share face
towels. Change
them daily and wash
them separately in
detergent and hot
water.
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To
prevent
contamination, wash hands
frequently and avoid
touching the eyes.
Hands should be
washed before and
after procedure that
require touching the
eye.
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Change the
pillowcase
frequently as
it may be
contaminated with
eye discharge.
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Frequent gentle
cleansing of the
eyelids with warm
water to prevent
encrustation.
Precaution must be
observed to treat
each eye separately
so that infection is
not transferred to
the unaffected eye.
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Warm compresses help
to soothe
discomfort.
The heat increased
blood flow around
the eye which
facilitates the
body’s natural
defense mechanisms.
Many micro-organisms
are also sensitive
to heat. To
make a compress,
soak a clean,
lint-free cloth in
warm water and wring
it out before
applying it to the
closed eyelids.
Be extra careful
when using warm
liquid because it
may cause burn to
the skin around the
eye.
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Avoid rubbing the
eyes. Cool
compresses help
reduce itching and
swelling. They
also provide some
comfort.
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Reduce sugar intake.
Sugar makes the body
more acidic, which
inhibits healing.
In addition,
bacterial infections
thrive in the
presence of sugar.
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Vitamins A and C are
important in
supporting the body
immune system.
These can be found
in green and yellow
vegetables and
fruits. In
addition, vitamin A
protects and heals
mucous membranes,
and vitamin C
fosters healing and
is mildly
anti-inflammatory.
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Keep the room dim to
promote comfort.
Wear sunglasses if
the eyes are
sensitive to the
light.
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If the condition has no improvement or seems to
be getting worse, consult your doctor
immediately. Signs of worsening infection
include:
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fever
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visual changes
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the eye looks cloudy
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increasing pain in
the eye
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tissues around the
eyes seem to be
affected
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thick discharge from
the eye
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no improvement with
medication within 48
hours
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eyes become very
sensitive to light
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