Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) - A Quick Read

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Having red eyes recently?

Most people around you having the same?

What is conjunctivitis?

• inflammation of the clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inner eyelids.

Types of conjunctivitis

• viral

• bacterial

• allergic

• opthalmia neonatorum (newborn)

• giatn papillary

Appearance and symptoms

Depending on the cause can include the following:

• teary and watery discharge

• may get swollen lymph nodes near the jawbone

• lot of pus and mucus production

• itchy and redness with or without runny nose

• yellowish or greenish discharge

• burning eyes

• blurred vision

Causes

• highly contagious infection caused by viruses or bacteria.

• irritants in personal products like shampoo can also cause it to happen.

• allergic reaction to eye products including contact lenses or environmental.

• sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia can also cause it.

• normal delivery for newborns to mothers who have chlamydia or gonorrhoea while delivery.

Affected Groups

• children most easily affected but can affect any age group.

• anyone coming in contact with an infected conjunctivitis patient.

Treatment

Depending on the cause, either of the following:

• eye drops

• eye oitnment

• oral medication

• artifical tears

Prevention and lifestyle adaptations

• keep hands clean if can not avoid touching the eyes

• keep the eyes clean

• change or clean pillow case

• don't touch the eye while infected

• don't share eye products

• use warm compress

Complications:

• Vision loss if untreated

(Pic credit: www.webmd.com)

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