Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, is a common eye condition that can affect individuals of all ages.

It occurs when the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white of the eye, becomes inflamed or infected. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants, and its symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, discharge, and blurred vision.

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can have various causes, depending on the type of conjunctivitis you have:.

Viral conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, typically the same virus that causes the common cold. It is highly contagious and spreads through contact with infected eye secretions.
Bacterial conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is also contagious and spreads through contact with infected eye secretions.
Allergic conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to substances such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or certain cosmetics. It is not contagious.
Irritant conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis is caused by an irritant, such as smoke, pollution, or chemicals. It is not contagious.

How Is Conjunctivitis Treated?

The treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its cause:.

Viral conjunctivitis: There is no specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis, as it usually resolves on its own within a week or two. In the meantime, over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops or artificial tears can help alleviate symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or don’t improve after a week, your doctor may prescribe antiviral eye drops.
Bacterial conjunctivitis: If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments. It is important to use the medication as directed, even if your symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from recurring.
Allergic conjunctivitis: For allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may recommend antihistamine eye drops, decongestant eye drops, or mast cell stabilizers. Avoiding the allergens that trigger your symptoms can also be helpful.
Irritant conjunctivitis: If you have irritant conjunctivitis, the best course of action is to remove the irritant and flush your eyes with saline solution or water. OTC eye drops or artificial tears can also help soothe your eyes.

What Mistake Should You Avoid with Your Conjunctivitis Treatment?

One mistake you should avoid with your conjunctivitis treatment is sharing eye drops or ointments with someone else.

Sharing medications, including eye drops and ointments, is never a good idea, as it can increase the risk of spreading infection or causing adverse reactions.

Even if you have the same symptoms as someone else, it’s essential to consult a doctor before using any medication, as the cause of your conjunctivitis can differ.

Using the wrong medication can worsen your symptoms or delay your recovery. For example, using antibiotic eye drops for viral conjunctivitis will not be helpful, as antibiotics only work against bacterial infections.

Similarly, using antihistamine eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis may not be effective, as they only alleviate symptoms caused by allergies.

Moreover, using someone else’s medication can also lead to cross-contamination, especially if the eye drop container or tube touches the infected eye. This can increase the risk of reinfection or spreading the infection to others.

Conclusion

If you have conjunctivitis, it’s essential to seek a doctor’s advice before starting any treatment. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your conjunctivitis and prescribe the appropriate treatment for your condition.

Remember, never share your medications with anyone else, and always use them as directed to achieve the best results.