What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of a portion of the eye (conjunctiva), usually benign and limited in time. The conjunctiva is transparent, but when inflamed it becomes reddish.
Are there different types of conjunctivitis?
yes. There are three main forms of conjunctivitis, distinguished according to their origin:
- infectious: transmitted by viruses, fungi, or bacteria
- Allergic: This is the most common type and occurs after exposure to allergens such as pollens, pet dander, or dust mites
- Toxic: due to contact with toxic products
In bacterial conjunctivitis, yellowish fluid (exudate) often reappears shortly after it has been cleaned.
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?
Symptoms may affect one or both eyes and are manifested by:
- turn red
- have clear or yellowish liquid outlet
- having the burning sensation
- having the itching sensation
- having the sensation of "having something in your eye"
- being closed/glued, especially when waking up
What can I do to relieve symptoms?
For symptom relief, the patient may:
- apply
- cold compresses
- Artificial Tears
- saline solution, preferably use individual doses for each eye in order to avoid contamination between them
You should wash your hands thoroughly before and after application, in each of your eyes.
If it is an allergic conjunctivitis, you should avoid exposure to the allergen that is causing the infection, or to other potentially irritating agents such as:
- Tobacco smoke
- Chlorine from swimming pools
- Direct exposure to the sun
How long can a conjunctivitis last?
The duration of a conjunctivitis depends a lot on the factor that triggered it, but it can last anywhere from 1 week to 15 days. It is usually a benign condition, easy to treat and without leaving sequelae.
Is conjunctivitis transmissible?
Yes. Transmission of infectious conjunctivitis can occur from person to person and is done through contaminated objects. In many cases, it is the patient himself who infects the other eye.
What can I do to prevent conjunctivitis and its spread?
Although it is not easy to prevent the onset of conjunctivitis, some hygiene habits can help reduce the risk of contracting it:
- Avoid close contact with eye secretions and contaminated objects (handkerchiefs, towels, cosmetics)
- Wash your hands frequently
- Change bed linen or pillow linen daily
- Do not share towels or cosmetic products
- Avoid scratching or rubbing your eyes
How can I treat conjunctivitis?
The treatment of conjunctivitis varies according to the agent responsible for the inflammation (viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.). Thus, conjunctivitis may or may not need antibiotics or other medications, for example in the case of allergic conjunctivitis.
In case you need antibiotics, they are usually applied directly to the eyes, in the form of drops or ointment, and should always be prescribed by a specialist doctor.