Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin clear layer covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It is usually caused by a virus, bacteria or allergy and makes the eye red, watery or sticky. Infectious conjunctivitis spreads easily, especially among children. It is usually mild and gets better in 1 to 2 weeks, but a painful red eye with poor vision needs urgent care.
Symptoms
Red or pink eye
Watery eyes or sticky yellow or green discharge
Eyelids stuck together in the morning
Gritty or itchy feeling in the eye
Swollen eyelids
Itching and sneezing when it is caused by allergy
Causes
Viruses, often with a cold
Bacteria
Allergy to dust, pollen or animal hair
Smoke, dust or chemicals in the eye
In newborns, infection passed from the mother during birth
Prevention
Wash hands often and do not rub your eyes
Do not share towels, pillows or eye make-up (surma) applicators
Wash the face of children every day with clean water
Wear glasses or goggles against dust and wind
Stay away from known allergy triggers
Treatment
Clean the eyelids gently with cooled boiled water and a clean cloth
Viral conjunctivitis usually gets better on its own in 1 to 2 weeks
Antibiotic eye drops or ointment from a doctor for bacterial infection
Antihistamine eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis
Do not use steroid eye drops or someone else's eye drops without a doctor
Common questions
Should I put breast milk, tea or surma in a red eye?
No. These can carry germs and make the infection worse. Clean the eye with cooled boiled water and use only eye drops a health worker advises.
Can my child go to school with pink eye?
If the eye is very sticky or watery, it is best to keep the child home for a few days and teach them to wash their hands often to avoid spreading it.
