How to protect yourself from conjunctivitis

Did you know that children miss more than 3 million school days a year as a result of conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the clear membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the whites of the eyes. When the small blood vessels become inflamed, they are more visible, resulting in the reddish or pinkish hue seen in the eyes.

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or coming into contact with an irritant such as smoke or dust. Because it can be contagious, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to limit its spread.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms include:

â— redness or swelling

â— Itching, irritation or burning

â— Excessive grittiness or tearing

â— Crusting of the eyelids or eyelashes

â— Intense redness of the eyes

â— Sensitivity to light or blurred vision

When to see a doctor

Pinkeye is no joke and can spread quickly if not cared for properly. If you or your children experience any of the above symptoms, see a doctor right away. If you have a weak immune system or a pre-existing eye condition, it can get worse.

Prevention and Protection

To help prevent and further protect yourself from conjunctivitis, take the following steps:

â— Wash your hands well with soap and water. If you do come into contact with conjunctivitis, wash your hands exceptionally well and help your children do the same.

â— The infection can enter the body through the nose and mouth. Avoid sharing personal items like makeup, towels, eye drops, contact lenses, etc.

â—Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. This could make the condition worse and, in some cases, help it spread to the other eye.

â— Always clean, store and replace your contact lenses as directed by your eye care professional.

â— If your child has conjunctivitis, keep him away from school and extracurricular activities until the redness is completely gone. This can help prevent your child from broadcasting it to the entire class.

Contact lenses and conjunctivitis

If you wear contact lenses and are diagnosed with conjunctivitis, you should take the following steps:

â— Remove contact lenses and wear your glasses until the condition resolves.

â— Throw away the disposable lenses you were wearing when you were diagnosed with conjunctivitis.

â— If you do not have disposable lenses, disinfect them before reuse.

Give your lens case a thorough clean and you may want to consider replacing it.