Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as "pink eye," is an eye condition that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent layer covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. This condition is marked by noticeable redness, itching, and discomfort in the affected eye. Conjunctivitis can be triggered by various factors, which primarily fall into three categories: common viruses, common bacteria, and non-infectious causes. The recent spate of Conjunctivitis in and around Pune city, as well as Pimpri and Chinchwad, is alarming and citizens are requested to improve their knowledge and awareness about this disorder.Common Viruses: Viral conjunctivitis is one of the most prevalent causes of this eye ailment. Viruses like adenoviruses, which are responsible for the common cold, often result in the development of conjunctivitis. Patients with viral conjunctivitis may experience watery discharge, itching, and sensitivity to light. It is highly contagious and can easily spread through direct contact with the affected eye or through surfaces that have been contaminated.Common Bacteria: Bacterial conjunctivitis is frequently caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. This form of conjunctivitis typically produces a thicker discharge that can cause eyelids to stick together, particularly after waking up in the morning. Bacterial conjunctivitis is also contagious and can spread via direct contact.Non-Infectious Causes: Not all cases of conjunctivitis are triggered by infectious agents. Allergic conjunctivitis, for instance, is caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Individuals with allergies may experience redness, itching, and excessive tearing in both eyes. Another non-infectious form is irritant conjunctivitis, which arises due to exposure to irritants like smoke, pollution, or chemicals. These irritants can cause redness and discomfort but aren't contagious.
Do's and Don'ts to Prevent Conjunctivitis:
Do's:
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching public surfaces or coming into contact with someone who has conjunctivitis. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of infection.Keep Hands Away from Eyes: Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands. This helps prevent the transfer of germs from your hands to your eyes.Use Clean Towels and Linens: Use clean towels, pillowcases, and bed linens to reduce the risk of contamination. Wash these items regularly in hot water to eliminate any potential sources of infection.Disinfect Personal Items: If you're experiencing conjunctivitis, avoid sharing personal items such as towels, eye makeup, or contact lenses. Disinfect these items regularly to prevent the spread of infection.Follow Doctor's Orders: If you're diagnosed with conjunctivitis, follow your doctor's instructions for treatment and hygiene. Completing the prescribed course of medication is essential to prevent recurrence and complications. Don't self-medicate and consult an eye doctor in Pune or eye hospital in PuneDon'ts:
Avoid Eye Rubbing: Refrain from touching, rubbing, or scratching your eyes, as this can introduce bacteria or viruses and exacerbate the condition.Don't Share Eye Makeup: Sharing eye makeup, brushes, or applicators can spread infection. Replace old or expired makeup products and avoid using testers at beauty stores.Skip Contact Lenses: If you're experiencing symptoms of conjunctivitis, switch to glasses until your eyes have fully healed. Contact lenses can exacerbate discomfort and increase the risk of infection.Don't Use Old or Contaminated Eye Drops: Avoid using eye drops that have been opened for an extended period or have become contaminated. This can worsen the condition or introduce harmful bacteria.Steer Clear of Irritants: Avoid exposure to smoke, pollen, dust, and other irritants that can trigger or worsen conjunctivitis symptoms, especially if you have a history of allergies.Don't Skip Hygiene Practices: Even if your eyes feel fine, maintaining good hygiene practices is important. Regular handwashing and keeping your surroundings clean can prevent potential exposure to infectious agents.Issued in public interest by the team of eye specialists at Dr Rajeev Raut Eye Clinic Raut Eye Care, in Pune, Camp, India. Categorized into General Health
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