Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the delicate, transparent membrane that lines the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. Symptoms often include redness, itching, swelling, and discharge, leading to discomfort and a high likelihood of spreading to others.
Conjunctivitis has several causes, including viral infections, bacterial infections, and allergic reactions. About 50% of cases are caused by viral infections. You must understand the type of conjunctivitis and what treatment to choose. Better still, visit your eye care professional to examine your precious eyes and give you the best treatment.
Here Are 5 Treatments For Conjunctivitis
1. Antibacterial Eye Drops or Ointments
Antibiotic eye drops are prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis to kill bacteria and prevent them from multiplying. They work quickly, often resolving the infection within a few days.
How to Apply:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or the medication.
- Tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and drop the medication into the eye.
- For ointments, squeeze a small ribbon of the ointment along the inside of the lower eyelid.
- Avoid touching the tip of the bottle or tube to your eye to prevent contamination.
2. Antiviral Medications
These treat viral conjunctivitis caused by infections like herpes simplex or varicella-zoster viruses. Antiviral eye drops or oral medications work by inhibiting the replication of the virus, reducing symptoms and duration.
How to Apply:
- Antiviral eye drops should be applied similarly to antibacterial drops.
- For oral medications, follow the prescribed dosage and timing strictly, as directed by your doctor.
3. Antihistamines and Allergy Relief
Antihistamines or mast cell stabilisers relieve allergic conjunctivitis by blocking histamines, the chemicals responsible for allergy symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling. They can be taken as eye drops or oral medications.
How to Apply:
- Use antihistamine eye drops as prescribed, typically one or two drops per eye as needed.
- For oral antihistamines, take the recommended dosage with water.
- Combine with avoiding allergens (dust, pollen, pet dander) for better results.
4. Warm or Cool Compresses
Warm compresses can help unclog oil glands and soothe bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, while cool compresses are ideal for reducing itching, swelling, and discomfort caused by allergies.
How to Apply:
- Soak a clean cloth in warm (for bacterial/viral) or cool (for allergies) water.
- Wring out excess water and place the compress gently over your closed eyes.
- Leave it on for 5–10 minutes, and repeat as needed throughout the day.
- Use a fresh cloth for each application to avoid spreading the infection.
5. Maintaining Hygiene and Home Care
Practising good hygiene prevents the spread of conjunctivitis and accelerates healing. This includes cleaning discharge, avoiding irritants, and not touching your eyes unnecessarily.
How to Apply:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after touching your eyes.
- Use disposable tissues or a clean, damp cloth to wipe away discharge gently.
- Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or makeup to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
- If you wear contact lenses, stop using them until the infection clears and switch to glasses.
Conjunctivitis can be very uncomfortable, and identifying the type that disturbs you is essential in selecting the treatment that will give you fast relief. Visiting your optician for a better eye checkup and treatment options is always advisable.
Seek professional care at Oakes Opticians
If your symptoms persist or you are unsure what treatment will give you fast relief, visit Oakes Opticians. We provide specialised, personalised treatment that will leave your eyes feeling better.
Schedule an appointment with us today.