What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the clear thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the eyelids. This condition is also commonly known as pink eye.

There are a number of different forms of this condition. Viral conjunctivitis is a condition that usually affects only one of the eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis will affect both eyes as will allergic conjunctivitis.

Signs And Symptoms Of Viral Conjunctivitis

The main signs and symptoms associated with this condition is a pink eye. This pink or red color is due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva. Another conjunctivitis symptom is that your eye may itch or hurt. Viral conjunctivitis treatment is required if only one eye is affected and there is excessive watering and a light discharge.

Bacterial conjunctivitis can cause a heavy discharge and this can sometimes be greenish in color. The symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are itching in both eyes, excessive tearing, and redness in the eyes and even the nose.

In order to verify the cause and to give the appropriate conjunctivitis treatment you doctor will examine your eyes, ask questions, and collect a swab sample to be tested.

Causes And Conjunctivitis Treatment

The cause of this condition can be viral, bacterial, or allergic so once the cause has been diagnosed the first thing to do in your conjunctivitis treatment is to avoid it.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be easily spread so it is important that you wash your hands often and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.

Bacterial conjunctivitis treatment and viral conjunctivitis treatment will also include replacing any eye make up products that you may have used. You can also use warm compresses to help soothe you eyes, this is extremely effective if you have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.

If you have allergic conjunctivitis you may need to keep your doors and windows closed when the pollen count is high. Frequent vacuuming and dusting will also help to keep potential allergens low.

Conjunctivitis treatment is quite simple and may not require any medication. Viral conjunctivitis treatment is usually unnecessary as this condition usually clears on its own after a couple of days. You doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops for bacterial conjunctivitis treatment and antihistamines will help to control allergic conjunctivitis.

It should be noted that although this condition is a minor eye infection, if not treated properly it can develop into a more serious eye condition. Therefore it is vital to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

 
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