How to treat a pink eye
Pink eye, also known as Conjunctivitis, is one of the more common eye problems. Pink eye is the inflammation of the eye's conjunctive membrane. The condition, which is caused by allergic, bacterial or viral infection, is usually simple and can be quickly treated.
There are different ways of treating different types of pink eye as explained later in the article. Symptoms
The following are many common pink eye symptoms, all of which you can detect easily.
- If you noticed that there is a sudden pink or reddish color manifesting in the white part of the eye, this is the first sign of pink eye.
- Puffiness appearing around the eyelids generally follows; this would give you the appearance of swollen eyelids.
- Other visible pink eye symptoms are the formation of crust on the edges of the eye and excess discharges that come from the eye.
- There would likewise be frequent tearing or watering of the eye.
There are also pink eye symptoms that you will experience or feel which include:
- Irritation of the eye
- Extreme itchiness of the eyelids
- Stinging pain
- Sensitivity of the eye to brightness of light.
If you catch a pink eye, chances are, you will have to deal with it for about 7 to 9 days. Usually it is common during the flu season. Pink eye is highly contagious and if you come into contact with someone with pink eye, you will catch it in 1 to 3 days later.
Pink Eye Treatment
The proper therapy and treatment for conjunctivitis vary and is dependent on the diagnosis of the infection and seriousness of the signs and symptoms experienced by the patient. If you are a pink eye sufferer, get appropriate treatment by undergoing thorough evaluation and check-up from a qualified physician. Below are simple options of treatment according to pink eye type.
Viral Conjunctivitis: With the viral type, there is no known pink eye cure or medicine. Still, some general health practitioners will prescribe antibiotics if possibility of bacterial origin cannot be ruled out. With Viral pink eye, application of cold compresses is done for relief of symptoms.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Prescription of antibiotic eye medicine or drops is given. Such antibiotics will shorten the duration of infection. Always wipe off any discharge that is present on the edges of the eye before the medication is applied.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Avoid common irritants such as smoke and pollen. Regularly apply cold compresses to the eye area. Eye drops which contain anti-inflammatory and antihistamine medications will definitely help in relieving serious allergic conjunctivitis.
Since Pink Eye is highly contagious, the following should be observed to prevent further spread of the infection.
- Remember to wash and air-dry your hands regularly.
- Keep your hands from rubbing your eyes.
- Shaking hands and touching other people should be avoided.
- Avoid any swimming activity while still with Pink Eye infection.
- Cottons and gauze that were used to clean away the eye and the discharges should be discarded immediately.
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