Clearing the Haze: Your Ultimate Guide to Do’s and Dont’s during Conjunctivitis and Reclaiming Bright, Healthy Eyes!

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergies, or irritants. Here are some do’s and don’ts for conjunctivitis, along with its symptoms:

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis:

• Redness in the white part of the eye or inner eyelid.
• Watery or mucous discharge from the eye.
• Itchy or gritty sensation in the eye.
• Swelling of the eyelids.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Crusting of eyelashes, especially upon waking up.

Do’s:

• Seek Medical Advice: If you suspect you have conjunctivitis or experience eye redness, irritation, or discharge, it’s essential to consult an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after touching your eyes, to prevent the spread of infection.
• Use Warm Compresses: Applying a clean, warm compress to the affected eye can help soothe discomfort and remove crusting.
•  Use Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can help alleviate dryness and irritation.
• Practice Good Contact Lens Hygiene: If you wear contact lenses, avoid wearing them until the conjunctivitis clears up. Additionally, clean and disinfect your contact lenses as per the recommended guidelines.

Don’ts:

• Don’t Touch or Rub Your Eyes: Touching or rubbing your eyes can exacerbate the irritation and spread the infection.
• Avoid Contact Lenses: If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, avoid using contact lenses until the infection clears up completely. Disposable lenses should be discarded, and reusable lenses should be thoroughly disinfected.
•  Don’t Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing towels, pillows, eye makeup, or any personal items that may come into contact with your eyes.
• Avoid Using Eye Makeup: Refrain from using eye makeup during the infection, as it can worsen the condition.
• Don’t Self-Medicate: Avoid using over-the-counter eye drops without proper medical advice, as some drops may not be suitable for the type of conjunctivitis you have.
• Avoid Public Pools and Spas: If the conjunctivitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, it’s best to avoid public pools and spas to prevent spreading the infection to others.

Most importantly,
Conjunctivitis, thankfully, DOES NOT SPREAD BY LOOKING AT EYES HAVING CONJUNCTIVITIS.
It only spreads through direct contact with hands or objects that are contaminated with the eye secretions of person having active conjunctivitis. Hence, the stress is on hand hygiene.

Remember, conjunctivitis can be highly contagious, so taking precautions and seeking medical attention promptly can help in faster recovery and prevent its spread to others.