Conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, is a common eye problem that affects people of all ages. It happens when the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and inside the eyelids becomes inflamed. Most cases are mild but can be uncomfortable and sometimes contagious.
Key Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
If you notice the following signs, it could be conjunctivitis:
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Redness in one or both eyes
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Watery or sticky discharge that may cause eyelids to stick together
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Gritty or sandy sensation in the eye
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Itching or burning feeling
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Swollen eyelids
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Excess tearing
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Blurred vision in some cases
Types of Conjunctivitis & Treatment
1. Viral Conjunctivitis
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Cause: Viruses like adenovirus.
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Signs: Watery eyes, redness, often linked with a cold or sore throat.
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Care: Usually clears on its own in 1–2 weeks. Use artificial tears, cold compresses, and avoid sharing towels.
2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
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Cause: Bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.
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Signs: Thick yellow or green discharge, sticky eyelids.
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Care: Doctors may prescribe antibiotic eye drops. Warm compresses and gentle cleaning help reduce discomfort.
3. Allergic Conjunctivitis
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Cause: Allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander.
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Signs: Intense itching, redness, watery eyes.
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Care: Anti-allergy eye drops, cool compresses, and staying away from triggers provide relief.
Home Remedies & Self-Care
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Compresses: Use a warm compress for bacterial infections and a cool one for viral or allergic types.
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Artificial Tears: Keep eyes moist and reduce irritation.
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Saline Rinse: Helps flush out allergens or discharge.
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Rest Your Eyes: Limit screen time and bright light exposure.
Hygiene & Prevention Tips
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Wash your hands frequently.
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Do not rub or touch your eyes.
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Change pillowcases, towels, and bedsheets often.
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Avoid sharing personal items.
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Stop using contact lenses and eye makeup until your eyes heal.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care if:
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Symptoms worsen or last longer than a week
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You experience severe eye pain
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Vision becomes blurry or sensitive to light
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Your eyelids swell severely
Conclusion
Conjunctivitis can be irritating but is usually easy to manage with proper hygiene, home remedies, and timely treatment. Identifying whether it’s viral, bacterial, or allergic is the first step toward faster relief and preventing the spread to others.
