Conjunctivitis

Do you know about conjunctivitis and symptoms.

Conjunctivitis is an illness that affects the inside of the eyelid. It can also affect the thin covering of the eye. It is infectious. This means it is passed from one person to another.

You use your eyes to see. Light enters each eye through the pupil in the centre of the eye. The eye is covered by a thin skin called a membrane. The membrane stops dirt and germ getting into the eye. So do our eyelids and eyelashes.

Conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. These germs are so tiny you can only see them through a microscope. You catch conjunctivitis when the bacteria or virus touches your eyes. If a friend has conjunctivitis they might rub some of the germs on to their towel. If you then use the same towel, you may rub the germs into your own eye. Some germs in the swimming pool water may also get into your eyes.

Strong chemicals can also cause conjunctivitis. The chemicals burn the delicate covering of the eye. People who use strong chemicals should wear goggles to protect their eyes.

Symptoms

The first symptom of conjunctivitis is often an itchy or burning feeling in the eye. Tears help wash dirt and germs out of the eye. When you have conjunctivitis your eye may become a lot more watery than usual. It can also become very red. As your body fights the conjunctivitis germs, it makes a sticky, yellow pus. When you are asleep the pus may make your eyelids stick together.

How to handle this problem?

Use cotton wool dabbed in clean, salty water to wipe away the pus. Very bad conjunctivitis is called pink eye because the whit part of your eye becomes red. If you have conjunctivitis you should have it checked by a doctor. If the illness is caused by a virus, you will have to wait for it to get better on its own.

If it is caused by bacteria, like this, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Antibiotics can kill bacteria, but not viruses. The doctor will tell you how often to apply ointment. An adult will have to squeeze some ointment into your eye for you. The ointment will start to work after a few days. You must go on using if for as long as the doctor tells you, or your eye may get sore again.

If you have conjunctivitis or another eye infection, try not to pass it on. Don’t use towels that other people might use. Try to avoid catching conjunctivitis. Don’t rub your eyes with dirty hands and make sure you keep your hair out of your eyes. Eat good food with lots of fresh fruit and raw vegetables. Wash your face and hands before you go to bed and sleep well.