Causes and Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

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Causes of conjunctivitis are viruses, bacteria, allergens, and irritants. They help determine different types of conjunctivitis and its treatment. Conjunctivitis that is caused by viruses and bacteria is highly contagious and can be easily spread from one person to another. It spreads by droplets, using the same personal items, etc. Experts suggest keeping a high level of hygiene if someone in our surrounding gets conjunctivitis. They suggest washing hands frequently, not using the same pillow with the infected person, and minimize the close contact. Medical experts also do not recommend swimming in the public pools if we get conjunctivitis. Chlorine in the swimming pools is a big irritant that can make things worse. Moreover, bacterial conjunctivitis represents the acute form of the so-called pink eye. It requires immediate action. For that reason, it is important to spot the illness on time. Some of the symptoms of conjunctivitis are redness of the eye or eyes, watering eyes, discharge, swelling eyelids, itchy eyes, light sensitivity, and so on. If we suspect of conjunctivitis, especially if it is the infectious type, we need to visit our doctor as soon as possible. When the irritant causes conjunctivitis, it is usually enough to rinse our eyes thoroughly. To find out more about the causes and symptoms of conjunctivitis, the article “Conjunctivitis” gives us the following list.

– A gritty feeling in one or both eyes

– Itching or burning sensation in one or both eyes

– Excessive tearing

– Discharge from one or both eyes

– Swollen eyelids

– Pink discoloration to the whites of one or both eyes

– Increased sensitivity to light

Typically, conjunctivitis if left untreated, can spread to another eye for a couple of days. Even though conjunctivitis rarely ends up with complications, it can harm our eyes if goes untreated. In that case, the most common complications are perforation of a cornea, ulcer on its surface, and even blindness. For healthy eyes, knowing the causes and symptoms of conjunctivitis may help prevent pink eyes from appearing and shorten its healing process.