Conjunctivitis

Red, watery eyes, inflamed inner eyelids, blurred vision and a sandy/gritty sensation in the eyes are the most common symptoms of the disease.

There are three main types of the disease:

Infectious (known as pink eye), which gives rise to a watery –pus discharge about the eyelids. The infectious form, is caused by a contagious virus or bacteria. The infectious form which has been caused by bacteria, is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops and/or ointment.

Viral forms require the body’s own immune system to help resolve the condition

Allergic:An allergy to pollen(also known as hayfever variety), some cosmetics, and even animals often cause allergic form of the condition. The best treatment is to remove the cause of the allergy. For instance, avoid close contact with an animal if it causes an allergic reaction.

Chemical: Irritants like air pollution, and chlorated water in swimming pools may produce the chemical irritant form of the disease, with the best treatment being avoidance of the cause of the irritation

In cases where these measures won’t work, your optometrist or eye doctor can prescribe suitable prescription and over-the-counter eye drops/ointments to help relieve the disease.

Recommendations to help eliminate the spread of the condition include:

• Don't rub or put your hands at the eyes if afflicted with the disease.

• Wash hands thoroughly before and after applying eyedrops.

• Do not share towels, cosmetics or eye medications.

• Seek professional medical advice promptly.



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