Redness of the eye is the typical, telltale symptom of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, before discussing how to prevent pink eye, let’s have a look at the causes of this painful condition.
Pink eye or conjunctivitis, is inflammation and redness of the obvious membranes that cover the white part of the eyes, and also the membranes on the inner part of the eyelid. Pinkeye is most of the times caused by bacterial infection or viral, although chemical agents, allergies, and underlying diseases can also have influence on it. Bacterial and viral pinkeye are very contagious, while allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
10 Methods You Must Know on How to Prevent Pink Eye
Sharing personal stuff like towels, washcloth and tissues means sharing the virus and bacteria as well. It is best to avoid sharing them.
To minimize the spread of virus or bacteria, cover your nose while sneezing or coughing. Try not to rub or touch your eyes.
Never borrow or lend contact lenses, they must be exclusively personal.
If you are at a congested or over crowded place, wash your hands frequently to get rid of the germs.
Keeping a hand sanitizer and using it frequently is a great way of stopping the spread of this nasty eye infection.
Clean the counter tops, bathroom vanities, handles, faucets and shared telephone sets frequently, with an antiseptic cleaner.
If you have allergies and suffer from allergic conjunctivitis, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about the treatment options available to minimize the symptoms at an early stage.
Wearing contact lenses can increase your risk of getting eye infections. To prevent pink eye, always follow your eye doctor’s instructions regarding lens care and replacement. Always clean them timely with proper solution. You can also switch to the daily disposable contacts.
Swimming pool water can be contaminated with bacteria and viruses, to protect your eyes from getting inflamed, use swimming goggles.
Bacteria can get trapped between the contact lenses and eye surface if they are not removed before taking a bath or shower. Always remove them before getting into water.
You or your child can still develop pink eye despite taking all these precautions. If you get it, try to minimize its spread for the sake of others.
Conjunctivitis is very common in school going kids. It is best to keep them home until the contagious stage has passed. Do inform their teachers about the condition so necessary sanitization measures can be taken for the classroom or day care.
The contagious stage of pink eye usually lasts for three to five days after the diagnosis. Your eye doctor can let you know when you or your child can again mingle with others without risk of spreading the infection.
It is very important to remember that pink eye can be a symptom of many different illnesses. Some of them are serious eye problems. So make sure you consult with your eye doctor.
What to Do When You are Diagnosed with Pink Eye?
Bacteria: Antibiotics, in the form of eye drops, ointments or pills are treatment of choice for bacterial conjunctivitis including conjunctivitis related to STDs. Antibiotics should always be taken after consultation with a doctor. And the dosage instructions must be followed for full recovery. Antibiotic drops are usually recommended three to four times a day, for five to seven days. Pills need to be taken for several days. Generally the infection improves within a week.
Viruses: Conjunctivitis and common cold are caused by the same viruses. Viral pink eye is highly contagious and it is very important to limit its spread. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid close contact with others. If you wear contact lenses, discard them along with eye makeup used during the infection.
Irritants: If some irritant substance gets into your eyes, the best thing is to wash your eyes with water for five minutes. Symptoms normally improve within a few hours. If the substance is bleach, alkaline material, or acid, wash your eyes with lots of water and immediately contact your eye doctor.
Allergies: Conjunctivitis associated with allergies gets better when the allergen is removed and the allergy treated. The best course of action is to see your doctor.