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Conjunctivitis
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Easily schedule an online consultation for conjunctivitis treatment. Speak with a qualified doctor who will assess your symptoms and create a personalised plan to help your eyes heal. Quick, convenient, and all from the comfort of your home.

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Don’t let conjunctivitis slow you down. Online treatment offers expert advice and tailored solutions, including prescription drops and symptom management tips. Regain healthy, comfortable eyes with professional guidance from experienced doctors anytime you need it.

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Get support for conjunctivitis online, day or night. Experienced doctors provide trusted care and personalised treatment plans. Start your recovery with a simple appointment and take the first step to clear, irritation-free eyes.

Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, often called “pink eye,” is a common condition that affects the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane covering the white part of your eye and the inner surface of your eyelids. When this membrane becomes inflamed, its blood vessels swell, making your eye look red or pink.

 

This condition can occur for many reasons, which is why it’s so widespread. Conjunctivitis can be caused by infections (like bacteria or viruses), allergies, or irritants like smoke, dust, or chemicals. It may affect one or both eyes and can be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic), depending on the cause and how it’s managed.

 

Pink eye symptoms often include redness, itchiness, and watery eyes. You may also notice a gritty feeling or discharge that causes your eyelids to stick together, especially when you wake up. While it can be uncomfortable, conjunctivitis is usually not serious and can often clear up with proper treatment.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” has common symptoms that can help you recognise the condition. These symptoms may differ slightly depending on what caused it, but most are easy to spot. If you think you might have conjunctivitis, it’s important to know what to look for so you can get the right treatment quickly.

Here are the most common symptoms:

  • Red Or Pink Eyes: The whites of your eyes or the inner eyelids may look red due to inflamed blood vessels.

  • Watery Or Teary Eyes: You might notice more tears than usual.

  • Itchy Or Irritated Eyes: Your eyes may feel uncomfortable like there’s something stuck in them.

  • Discharge: This can be clear, white, or green and might stick to your eyelashes, especially in the morning.

  • Crusty Eyelids: Discharge can dry and cause your eyelids to stick together after sleep.

  • Gritty Feeling: Your eyes might feel rough or sandy.

  • Blurred Vision: Sometimes, your sight can become unclear.

  • Sensitivity To Light: Bright light might bother your eyes more than usual.

  • Swollen Eyelids: Your eyelids may puff up or look inflamed.

If you notice any of these symptoms, speaking with a doctor is a good idea. They can help find the cause and get your eyes feeling better.

Conjunctivitis Causes

Conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," can happen for many different reasons. It is usually grouped into two types: infectious and non-infectious. Knowing what causes it can help you get the right treatment.

Infectious Causes

Germs like viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites cause infectious conjunctivitis. This type can spread easily from one person to another.

  • Viruses: Viruses, like those that cause colds or the flu, are the most common cause of conjunctivitis. Other viruses, like those causing measles, mumps, or even COVID-19, can also lead to pink eye.

  • Bacteria: Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, can cause conjunctivitis. This type often has a thick discharge. In rare cases, bacterial infections like gonorrhoea or chlamydia can cause severe pink eye, especially in newborns.

  • Less Common Causes: Fungi and parasites can also cause conjunctivitis, but these are rare.

Non-Infectious Causes

Non-infectious conjunctivitis doesn’t spread to others. It can happen because of allergies, irritants, or injuries.

  • Allergies: Pollen, dust, or mould can make your eyes itchy and watery, causing allergic conjunctivitis.

  • Irritants: Smoke, chlorine, makeup, or shampoos can irritate your eyes and cause redness.

  • Injuries Or Objects In The Eye: Getting dirt or other particles in your eye can lead to inflammation.

  • Blocked Tear Ducts: Babies often get conjunctivitis because their tear ducts may not open fully.

If you think you have conjunctivitis, talk to a doctor to find the cause and get the proper treatment.

Conjunctivitis Treatment

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is treatable, but the best way to care for it depends on what caused it. Here’s how doctors treat different types of pink eye:

Viral Conjunctivitis

Pink eye caused by a virus, like a cold, usually gets better in 4-7 days. Antibiotics won’t work for viruses. To avoid spreading it, wash your hands often and stay away from others until your symptoms disappear. If the herpes virus causes it, doctors may prescribe special antiviral medicine like eye drops or pills.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial pink eye needs antibiotics. These might be eye drops or ointments you use for a few days. For more serious infections, like those caused by gonorrhoea or chlamydia, you may need antibiotics in pill form. Always take all your medicine, even if you start feeling better.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

If allergies cause your pink eye, antihistamines can help with itching and redness. These may be in the form of eye drops or pills. Try to stay away from things that trigger your allergies, like pollen or dust.

Irritant-Related Conjunctivitis

If something like dust or chlorine causes your pink eye, rinse your eyes with warm water for five minutes. If it’s a chemical, flush your eyes immediately and get medical help.

Helpful Tips For All Types

  • Use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.

  • Place a warm or cool cloth over your eyes to feel better.

  • Gently clean the sticky discharge with a damp washcloth.

Always follow your doctor’s advice and inform them if your symptoms don’t improve.

Conjunctivitis Prevention

Conjunctivitis can often be prevented with simple everyday habits. Keeping your eyes and hands clean can lower the chance of getting or spreading this infection. Here are some easy tips to help you stay safe:

  • Wash Your Hands Frequently: Always clean your hands with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes. If your hands aren't visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser works too.

  • Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes with your hands. This helps stop germs from entering your eyes.

  • Don't Share Personal Items: Never share towels, washcloths, eye drops, or eye makeup with others. Sharing these items can spread the germs that cause conjunctivitis.

  • Use Clean Towels And Pillowcases: Use a clean towel and washcloth daily. Change your pillowcases often to keep them free from germs.

  • Be Careful With Eye Drops: When using eye drops, wash your hands first. Don't let the bottle tip touch your eye or anything else. After using the drops, close the bottle tightly and rewash your hands.

  • Wear Proper Eye Protection: If you're doing activities that could harm your eyes, like playing certain sports or doing science experiments, wear the right kind of eye protection. More than regular glasses might be required.

  • Handle Contact Lenses Safely: If you wear contact lenses, clean them properly and replace them as recommended. Keep lenses and lens solutions private from everyone.

Conjunctivitis spreads quickly, much like the common cold. Even if you must go to school or work, following these hygiene tips can help prevent others from getting sick. Remember, keeping your hands and anything that touches your eyes clean is the best way to avoid pink eye. Mobi Doctor can help you prevent and manage conjunctivitis with expert online consultations, personalised advice, and treatment plans—all from the comfort of your home.

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