Conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," is a common eye condition that can make your eyes red, itchy, and watery. It happens when the thin layer covering the white part of your eye gets inflamed. You might notice your eyes feel gritty or have a sticky discharge, especially when you wake up.
There are a few main types of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial, and allergic. Viral conjunctivitis often comes along with a cold or other respiratory infection. It’s contagious but usually clears up on its own within one to two weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis might need antibiotics to get better and can cause thicker discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis is linked to things like pollen or pet dander and often comes with sneezing or a runny nose.
Since viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious, it’s easy to catch the infection by touching your eyes with dirty hands or sharing personal items like towels. To avoid spreading it, wash your hands often, don’t touch your eyes, and avoid close contact with someone who has pink eye.
Allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious but can be triggered by allergies you’re already prone to. Avoiding allergens and using over-the-counter allergy medicine can help keep symptoms down.
If you have conjunctivitis, here’s what you can do to feel better: use a clean, warm compress to soothe your eyes, avoid wearing contact lenses until your eyes heal, and use artificial tears to ease dryness. For bacterial cases, follow your doctor’s advice on antibiotics. Most viral infections get better without medicine, but if your symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a week, it’s smart to check in with a healthcare provider.
Remember, while pink eye can be annoying, it rarely causes serious problems if you take care of it promptly. Keeping good hygiene and avoiding eye irritants are your best defense to protect yourself and others.
Do you have red, itchy, and swollen eyes? Have you noticed a thick yellow or greenish discharge coming from them? If so, you may have pink eye. Pink eye is a contagious infection that can spread quickly, so it's important to get it treated right away. It's also important to practice good hygiene and avoid touching your eyes, as this can help prevent the spread of the infection. If you think you may have pink eye, it's best to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.