Conjunctivitis & Its Effects
Conjunctivitis is a condition caused by an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This transparent membrane covers the inside of your eyelids and the white part of your eye, called the sclera. Our Santamaria Eye Center team is here to provide accurate information so you can decide about your eye health and get the help you need to see comfortably and clearly.
What Causes Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis can occur in multiple different forms from distinct causes. These causes are viruses, bacteria, allergies, and chemicals. Conjunctivitis can also occur due to a foreign object entering the eye and irritating the eye surface.
What Are Conjunctivitis Symptoms?
The most common symptom of conjunctivitis is eye redness. Itchiness and a gritty feeling are also associated with conjunctivitis and increased tearing and discharge from the eye.
How Do You Know If An Eye Infection Is Viral or Bacterial?
Viral conjunctivitis usually appears pinker, can cause watery discharge, and usually begins in one eye before affecting the other. Bacterial conjunctivitis can often appear redder than viral conjunctivitis. It can also cause some thick yellowish discharge.
How Do You Treat Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis treatment focuses on making you more comfortable for the time you’re affected. Eye drops can help relieve itchiness, and applying cold and warm compresses can alleviate some discomfort. In the case of allergic conjunctivitis, medicines like antihistamines can reduce eye swelling and redness.
How Long Is Conjunctivitis Contagious For?
Conjunctivitis can be contagious for up to 2 weeks. As long as you are still symptomatic with eye redness, watery eyes, and discharge, you are still infectious and should self-isolate to prevent conjunctivitis from spreading.
How Long Does Conjunctivitis Last?
Viral conjunctivitis lasts anywhere from 7–14 days without treatment, though in some cases, it can take as long as 3 weeks to relieve on its own. Bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms can take 2 weeks to subside.
Is Conjunctivitis An Emergency?
Some cases of chemical conjunctivitis are an emergency. In the case of chemical conjunctivitis,
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