Welcome to the world of eye health, where today’s star is the infamous but often misunderstood Conjunctivitis! Also known as "pinkeye," this condition is the culprit behind those red, itchy and sometimes gloopy eyes. But don’t worry we are here to discuss what it is, how it spreads and how you can keep your eyes bright and clear.
What Exactly is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent layer covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. When this area gets irritated or infected it can turn a scary shade of red or pink, hence the nickname "pinkeye." It's a common condition caused by infections (bacterial or viral) or allergies, leading to redness, itching and potentially a discharge.
The Usual Suspects: Causes of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can be caused by a variety of culprits but here are the most common ones:
- Viruses: Viral conjunctivitis is often accompanied by a cold, sore throat or respiratory infection. It is the most contagious type so watch out!
- Bacteria: Bacterial conjunctivitis can cause a lot of sticky, yellow-green discharge. Yuck!
- Allergies: Allergic conjunctivitis is a response to irritants like pollen, pet dander or dust mites. It is not contagious but can be a real itch-fest.
- Irritants: Sometimes getting something in your eye like chlorine from a pool or smoke can cause conjunctivitis.
The Sneaky Spread
Conjunctivitis spreads more easily than gossip in a workplace. Here is how it typically makes the rounds:
- Touching: Rubbing your eyes and then touching surfaces or other people can spread the infection.
- Sharing is not caring: Using the same towels, pillowcases or makeup as someone with conjunctivitis is a surefire way to catch it.
- Coughs and sneezes: Viral conjunctivitis can spread through the droplets from coughs or sneezes.
Treatment: What to Do When Conjunctivitis Strikes
Don’t fret if you find yourself (or your little one) with conjunctivitis. Here are some steps to manage and treat it:
Viral Conjunctivitis
Common signs: Watery discharge, red itchy eyes, often linked to a cold or sore throat.
What we recommend: There is no magic pill, but it usually clears up on its own in a week or two. Try a lubricating eye drop such as Refresh Tears for comfort, use a cold compress to soothe irritation and keep your eyes clean and avoid contact with others.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Common signs: Yellow/green discharge, eyelids stuck together, often starts in one eye.
What we recommend: Medicated eye drops or ointments are the go-to. They are effective and usually clear things up in a few days. When in need visit your friendly pharmacist at your nearest Pharmacy 4 Less who can help you with effective treatment which is usually used for 5 days. Wash your hands regularly, don’t share towels and wipe away discharge with clean tissues.
Allergic Conjunctivitis:
Common signs: Itchy, red, watery eyes often at once. Seasonal or triggered by allergens like pollen or pet dander.
What we recommend: Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Claratyne or Zyrtec or Antihistamine eye drops such as Zaditen, Livostin can help tame the itch and redness. Avoiding the allergen (as much as possible - good luck with pollen!). Keep your hands clean, avoid touching your face and do not share personal items. A cold compress can also provide some relief from discomfort.
Pharmacists will recommend seeing a GP or optometrist if:
- Vision is affected
- Pain is severe
- Symptoms worsen or don’t improve in a few days
- You wear contact lenses (risk of corneal ulcers)
Kids and Conjunctivitis: A Perfect Storm
Why do kids get conjunctivitis more often? It is a combination of factors:
- Close quarters: Schools and daycare centres are breeding grounds for germs.
- Curious hands: Kids touch everything and then touch their faces. It is like a game of “How fast can we spread this?”
- Developing immunity: Young immune systems are still learning the ropes making kids more susceptible to infections.
While conjunctivitis might be an unwelcomed visitor, it is usually harmless and easy to treat. By knowing what to look for and how to handle it you can keep your eyes (and those of your family) healthy and clear. So, here’s to bright eyes and not-so-sneaky sneezes, let’s keep conjunctivitis at bay!