CONJUNCTIVITIS



CONJUNCTIVITIS

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the outer surface of the eyeball.  The white of the eye may appear pink/red and you may experience grittiness, itching, mild soreness, swollen lids and a discharge. You may get some blurring of vision due to discharge at the front of the eye. However, this clears with blinking.

What causes conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis commonly results from an infection. It may be due to a virus or bacteria and is often associated with colds, sore throats or viral illnesses.  Sometimes it occurs alone. In the vast majority of cases, infective conjunctivitis is not serious and clears within a week or so without leaving any damage to the eye.

How is it treated?

• Not treating is a common option for mild or moderate infections. The tears contain chemicals that fight off bacteria. Without treatment, most cases of infective conjunctivitis clear on their own within 1-2 weeks, and often within 2-5 days.

• Bathing the eyes with cool clean water from the tap may be soothing.

Can conjunctivitis spread to other people?

Viral or bacterial is contagious but only if people come directly into contact with the tears or discharge from your eyes.  Therefore, you should not let anyone use your flannel or towel.  Try to use paper tissues and dispose of these carefully.

The Health Protection Agency does not recommend that children with conjunctivitis should be excluded from school

When to be worried

See a doctor if symptoms change, or do not settle within a few days, or if you are concerned that you have anything other than a common conjunctivitis. In particular, see a doctor urgently if:

• You develop marked eye pain.

• Light starts to hurt your eyes (photophobia).

• Spots or blisters develop on the skin next to the eye.

• Your vision becomes affected.

• Your newborn baby develops conjunctivitis.

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