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Conjunctivitis Symptoms and What You Can Do About Them

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an eye condition that can affect anyone from infants to the elderly. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a number of things. It's a condition that requires medical care, and if you think you may have this condition, it's essential you visit your optometrist for an exam and for medication to help clear up the infection. Read on for symptoms of this eye condition and what you can do about it.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacterial infection, a viral infection, or even from an allergic reaction. Some of the symptoms include the following:

  • Red eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Discharge (yellow or green) in the eyes
  • Feeling that something is in the eyes
  • Swelling of eyes/eye area
  • Vision issues

These are just a few of the symptoms you may experience with conjunctivitis. You may also experience pain or other related symptoms such as a runny nose or a cough from drainage. 

Conjunctivitis Treatment

Conjunctivitis should be treated with the help of your optometrist. Be sure to visit your optometrist if you suspect you have this condition. Don't attempt to use eye drops in your eyes to clear up this condition, as you may worsen the condition or damage your vision. There are a few things you can do to help with this condition and prevent it from returning. These things include the following:

  1. Use a warm washcloth to clean any discharge from the eye. Be sure to wash the washcloth in hot water and do not reuse the same washcloth without first washing it. Wash all of the towels you use in hot water and do not share any towels with anyone. 
  2. Wash your hands thoroughly and keep your hands away from your eyes. Avoid rubbing or itching your eyes.
  3. Wash your bedding in hot water, especially your pillowcase, every other day if possible to prevent spreading this condition (if it is caused by bacteria).
  4. Wash any makeup from your face each night to prevent further irritation to your eyes.
  5. Clean or throw out your makeup brushes after this condition clears up to prevent spreading it to yourself again. Also be sure not to ever share makeup or makeup tools with others to prevent the spread of bacteria.
  6. Avoid wearing your contact lenses while dealing with this condition, and toss out the ones you were wearing when the condition developed. Invest in a new contact case to prevent spreading the bacteria later down the road as well. In the meantime, wear your eyeglasses.
  7. Avoid allergens that can irritate your eyes further. Stay indoors if the pollen outside is too irritating to your allergies and to prevent irritating your eyes further.

If you suspect you have conjunctivitis, make an appointment with an ophthalmology clinic, like Idaho Eye and Laser Center, to prevent it from worsening and to prevent spreading it to others if it's bacterial.


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