Conjunctivitis (Pink Eyes)

What is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eyes)?

Conjunctivitis or Pink Eyes is a condition that causes redness on the white part (Conjunctiva) of the eye. Conjunctivitis can affect people of all ages.

There are three main types of Conjunctivitis:

• Viral
• Bacterial
• Allergic

The below picture is that of a patient suffering from Conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis affected the right eye; and the next day, the left eye also got infected.

Please observe the important indications here (The below are also common symptoms of Conjunctivitis)

• The eyelids have swollen
• Both eyes are red/pink
• Water imminent from the right eye. This water is Pus, in simple terms, infected bad water.
• The patient complained about itchiness, irritation and unable to open the eyes properly.
• Fever.

Do’s and Don’ts while your eyes are affected with Conjunctivitis

DO’S

• Take a cotton ball and soak it in lukewarm water. You can add a pinch of salt in the water. Wring out the excess water from the cotton ball. Apply the cotton ball to the eyelid, lower eyelid, and on the inner and outer corners of the eye to clean the Pus. Change the cotton ball and repeat the same for the other eye. Make sure, you are not using the same cotton ball while cleaning eyes.
• Avoid smoking.
• Carry freshly washed handkerchief and sanitizer.
• If you get an itchy feeling, especially after much screen-time, splash normal water to your face. (cold-compress)
• Wear sunglasses if you have to go out. Even at home, you can wear sunglasses to not spread bacterial infection to others.
• Medication as advised by doctor.

DON’T’s

• Do not wear contact lenses
• Try and avoid going to crowded places including office, school, malls, market places, etc.
• Do not rub your eyes.
• If possible, do not cook.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eyes) is profoundly seen in Indian Sub-continent between the months of May and September. This is the period when you will observe the change of season from Summer to Monsoon.

When you visit an Ophthalmologist, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eyes) is mostly treated as a Bacterial infection. The Ophthalmologist will mostly prescribe eye drops from Moxifloxacin group of antibiotic eye drops.

You need to apply the prescribed eye-drop 4-6 times a day to the infected eye(s)

Please check the above pictures and follow-read the observations from the pictures:

Observations:

• Day – 2: The eyelids are swollen; the eyes cannot open entirely.
• Day – 3: The right eye is shown and here, white portion of eye is visible, which is RED/PINK. The pus(water) is also visible.
• Day – 4: Both the eyes are RED/PINK, the left eye is visible here predominantly.
• Day – 5: The right eye is RED/PINK.

The lady in the pictures is Working from home (WFH) and needs a minimum screen time of nine hours. She is doing hot and warm compress to avoid itching and irritation.

It is to be noted here, the lady also has a history of Anaphylaxis, and do not eat specific food items identified via allergy test. She also takes medicines related to allergic Rhinitis. This is delaying the recovery from Conjunctivitis. Hence, it is always recommended that when you visit the ophthalmologist you should mention your medical history. The medicines prescribed will be thus recommended.

FAQs

What is the recovery time/days?

The recovery is seven to fourteen days.

Do we have to strictly follow the DO’S & DON’T’S?

Conjunctivitis is infectious. Hence, follow all the DO’S and DON’T’S.

P.S. It is to be noted that the writer of this informative article is not an Ophthalmologist or a Medical Practitioner. Do not take any medication without checking up with the Medical Practitioner /Doctor/Ophthalmologist.