If you notice red or watery eyes, you may have conjunctivitis. In some cases, the infection is severe and can lead to permanent damage. Symptoms of this eye infection include eyelid swelling, redness, and thick fluid leaking from the eye. Depending on the type of bacteria, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat it. Warm compresses are also used to treat the infection.
Conjunctivitis is usually diagnosed by a physical examination and complete medical history. An eye drop culture may be performed to determine the cause of the infection. If the infection is caused by a bacterial agent, antibiotic eye drops will be prescribed to prevent secondary infections. Alternatively, you may be prescribed an over-the-counter eye drop to treat allergies.
If you’re concerned about your eyesight, you should see a doctor immediately. A doctor may recommend artificial tears or eye compresses. If you wear contact lenses, you may need to stop wearing them until the condition has cleared up. In the meantime, you should wash your hands frequently. You should also dry your eyes thoroughly with paper towels or blow-dry them.
An ophthalmologist will perform a thorough examination to distinguish between conjunctivitis and other eye diseases. In addition, the doctor may take a sample of the discharge from your eye to help confirm if the infection is viral or bacterial. In addition, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to treat your conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis is caused by inflammation of the thin clear membrane covering the eye, called the conjunctiva. This membrane covers the inside of the eyelids and white part of the eye. This condition is usually caused by a virus or bacterial infection. It can also be caused by allergies and chemicals.
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious and usually occur in people who have an upper respiratory infection. People who wear contact lenses are also at a high risk of contracting these diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause conjunctivitis. Gonorrhea is a particularly dangerous type of bacterial conjunctivitis that can lead to vision loss. Chlamydia is another cause of conjunctivitis, especially in pregnant women.
If your symptoms do not subside within four hours, you should call your eye doctor immediately. You can also try self-help remedies such as a cool compress on the eyes. However, you should avoid exposure to irritants until the symptoms subside. In some cases, your GP may prescribe an antihistamine.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis include watery eyes, redness, and discharge. The color of the eyelids and whites may be pink or red. Fortunately, both eyes may be affected. Treatment will depend on the cause. If your symptoms are due to a virus, a visit to the eye doctor can be beneficial.
Viral conjunctivitis is caused by the same viruses that cause a cold. Viral conjunctivitis is usually not serious and will clear up within a week or two. Antihistamines and allergy medications can help ease the symptoms, but can also make the condition worse.
