Conjunctivitis ( Pink eye)

Conjunctivitis (commonly known as pinkeye) is an inflammation of the transparent film covering the inside of the eyelids (the white part of the eye) and the surface of the eyeball.IritisIritis refers to inflammation of the eyeball, and the places where the inflammation occurs are different.結膜Because it is located on the surface, it is easily affected by external factors and becomes inflamed. There are several causes of conjunctivitis, such as infectious and allergic. When you are infected by viruses or bacteria, or you are allergic to irritants such as pollen, second-hand smoke, chlorine in swimming pool water, ingredients in cosmetics, contact lenses, etc., it may cause inflammation or swelling, leading to conjunctivitis. Symptoms of eye discomfort may occur after infection, such as itching or stinging, redness, burning sensation, etc. Read on to learn more about conjunctivitis causes, symptoms, check up and how to treat it.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of red itchy eyes and is generally classified as allergic conjunctivitis or bacterial conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis

The condition is mostly caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. Once irritants come into contact with the eyes, allergens such as pollen, dust and animal dander can cause an allergic reaction and trigger nasal allergy symptoms.

Infectious conjunctivitis

Bacterial or viral infections, such as the common cold, can lead to highly contagious conjunctivitis. Infected contact lenses or unclean eye make-up can also cause infectious conjunctivitis.

Irritant conjunctivitis

Cleaning agents, shampoo or air pollutants etc. may cause eye irritation and inflammation. Eyelashes falling into the eye can also cause such conditions.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Discharge from the eyes

Itching or stinging eye

Redness in the eye and inner eyelid

Crusty eyelash and eyelid

Swollen eyelid

Burning sensation

More tears than usual

Treatments

Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria or allergies. If the conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to treat the conjunctivitis. If the conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, antibiotic treatment will not help and may even reduce its effectiveness in the future or cause a reaction to the medication that can cause harm. You have to rely on your own immune system to fight off the virus, which usually takes several weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually causes yellow or green thick discharge. Viral conjunctivitis often causes a watery discharge. Use cold compresses and artificial tears to reduce irritation.

Anti-inflammatory eye drops and ointments

Anti-inflammatory eye drops and ointments are effective in treating bacterial conjunctivitis.

Cold compress, artificial tear

Cold compresses or artificial tears are recommended. Neurotransmitters respond more quickly to ice than to itchy allergies, reducing itchiness and helping relieve the inflammation and dryness of the eyes caused by conjunctivitis. What’s more, patients should refrain from rubbing their eyes, blowing on them or applying hot compresses, and stop using contact lenses until the symptoms have completely disappeared to avoid further irritation and itching.

Conjunctivitis FAQ

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious and can spread from person to person via discharge from the eyes or upper respiratory tract, fingers, clothing and other items such as make-up, towels, etc. Swimmers may also be infected if they swim in contaminated water.

Will conjunctivitis go away on its own?

Bacterial conjunctivitis: it does not heal on its own and requires regular medication such as antibiotic eye ointment or eye drops (prescribed and instructed by an ophthalmologist, not self-purchased).

Viral conjunctivitis: No specific treatment is required. With adequate rest, most patients will recover on their own within 1 to 2 weeks.

In the event of deterioration or complications, corneal ulcers may occur, and in severe cases, vision may be permanently impaired. Therefore, any eye discomfort should be examined and treated by your eye doctor.

Can I wear contact lenses when I have conjunctivitis?

Contact lenses should not be worn. They should be thoroughly disinfected or replaced with new lenses and worn again only when fully recovered.

How can I prevent conjunctivitis?

Avoid hand-to-eye contact. If such contact is unavoidable, perform hand hygiene before and after contact with the eyes.
Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds, or perform hand hygiene with 70% to 80% alcohol-based.
Do not share personal items, e.g. towels, pillows, eye droppers, eye medicines, eye makeup, contact lenses and other items that may come into contact with your eyes.
Infected individuals should refrain from work, school or swimming until their symptoms have resolved in order to prevent the spread of infection.