IS CONJUNCTIVITIS DANGEROUS?
As an eye surgeon, I often get asked about conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.
There are three main types of conjunctivitis:
• Bacterial
• Viral
• Allergic
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be contagious, so it's important to practice good hygiene to prevent its spread. While conjunctivitis is usually not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
The most common pink eye symptoms include:
1️⃣ Redness in one or both eyes.
2️⃣ Itchiness in one or both eyes.
3️⃣ A gritty feeling in one or both eyes.
4️⃣ A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning.
5️⃣ Tearing.
6️⃣ Sensitivity to light, called photophobia.
Treatment.
Treatment for conjunctivitis varies depending on the type.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops.
• Viral conjunctivitis is the heaviest of all, and in each case we select the optimal complex of medication.
• Allergic conjunctivitis can be managed with antihistamine eye drops.
If you experience symptoms of conjunctivitis, it's essential to seek professional medical advice. Ignoring the symptoms or self-medicating can lead to complications. If conjunctivitis is improperly treated, it can lead to serious corneal lesions and even complete blindness!
Remember, good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding rubbing your eyes, can go a long way in preventing conjunctivitis.
There are three main types of conjunctivitis:
• Bacterial
• Viral
• Allergic
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be contagious, so it's important to practice good hygiene to prevent its spread. While conjunctivitis is usually not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
The most common pink eye symptoms include:
1️⃣ Redness in one or both eyes.
2️⃣ Itchiness in one or both eyes.
3️⃣ A gritty feeling in one or both eyes.
4️⃣ A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning.
5️⃣ Tearing.
6️⃣ Sensitivity to light, called photophobia.
Treatment.
Treatment for conjunctivitis varies depending on the type.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops.
• Viral conjunctivitis is the heaviest of all, and in each case we select the optimal complex of medication.
• Allergic conjunctivitis can be managed with antihistamine eye drops.
If you experience symptoms of conjunctivitis, it's essential to seek professional medical advice. Ignoring the symptoms or self-medicating can lead to complications. If conjunctivitis is improperly treated, it can lead to serious corneal lesions and even complete blindness!
Remember, good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding rubbing your eyes, can go a long way in preventing conjunctivitis.