How To Cure Conjunctivitis - Tips By Eye Specialist

• January 5, 2024

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common eye condition that causes redness, itching, and sometimes pain in the eyes and can be caused by various things like viruses, bacteria, or even allergens. It can also result from exposure to certain chemicals or foreign objects that come into contact with the eyes. Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious, however, it is possible to cure conjunctivitis effectively through proper methods and timely treatment.

In this blog, we'll learn how to cure conjunctivitis with tips provided by eye specialists.

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, is an irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eye. Allergies or bacterial or viral illnesses may be the cause. Conjunctivitis can be very contagious and is spread through contact with eye secretions from an infected person.

Its symptoms include redness, itchiness, and eye tears. Your eyes may get swollen, and your sensitivity to light could increase. Infectious conjunctivitis can lead to crust formation overnight. It can affect both eyes, and the condition can be highly contagious. If these symptoms arise, you must seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and get proper treatment on time to cure conjunctivitis.

How to prevent conjunctivitis?

Hygiene maintenance

If you wear glasses, sunglasses, or contact lenses, be sure to clean and sanitize them regularly. Keeping your glasses clean lowers the possibility that irritants or contagious substances will come into touch with your eyes.

Use soap and water to frequently wash your hands, especially before and after touching your eyes. Also, keep the areas around your nails and between your fingers clean.

Avoid rubbing

The instinct to rub your eyes when they're irritated can exacerbate the condition. Rubbing your eyes can introduce more irritants, spread bacteria, and potentially worsen the inflammation.

Prevent spread

If you have conjunctivitis, avoiding sharing personal items that could potentially spread the infection is important. These items include towels, pillowcases, eye drops, and makeup. To prevent cross-contamination, wash your face and body with different towels.

Use tissue paper

When you need to wipe away tears or discharge from your eyes, opt for disposable tissue paper instead of using your hands. Tissue paper is less likely to introduce germs to your eyes compared to your hands.

Avoid touching the uninfected eye

Be careful not to contact the other eye after touching the one that has conjunctivitis. This can stop the virus from moving from one eye to the other.

What can you do for a quick recovery?

Even though you should consult a doctor if you have conjunctivitis, there are things you can do on your own to help stop it from getting worse and eventually cure it. 

Here are some expert tips for you to apply for a quick recovery and to cure conjunctivitis:

Use warm compresses

To soothe the discomfort and clear away discharge, apply a warm, damp compress to your closed eyelids. Hold the compress gently against your eyes for a few minutes, making sure not to press too hard. This can help relieve itching and reduce crusting.

Artificial tears

Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help relieve the dryness and pain due to conjunctivitis. Select options without preservatives and apply them as instructed.

Follow medication instructions

If your doctor prescribes eye drops or ointments, make sure to follow their instructions precisely. Wash your hands before applying any medication, and avoid touching the tip of the applicator to prevent contamination.

Practice good contact lens hygiene

If you wear contact lenses, temporarily wear eyeglasses until the infection clears. If your doctor approves the use of contact lenses during conjunctivitis treatment, ensure you clean and disinfect them thoroughly before putting them in.

Avoid eye makeup

During the healing process, it's wise to skip eye makeup to prevent further irritation. Makeup can harbor bacteria and worsen the condition. Once your eyes are back to normal, replace your eye makeup products to avoid re-infection.

Give rest to your eyes

Allowing enough rest for your eyes will help them heal. Avoid staring at screens for extended periods of time to protect your eyes. Close your eyes and take short breaks if working on a computer or using digital devices.

Maintain clean linens

Change your pillowcases and face towels frequently to prevent cross-contamination and promote a cleaner environment for your eyes.

Avoid irritants

Avoid smoking, dust, and other irritants that could make your conjunctivitis symptoms worse. Put on sunglasses when you're outside to protect your eyes from the sun and wind.

Conjunctivitis cases might vary, so it's important to seek medical advice. These suggestions can ease discomfort and support your treatment strategy. 

How to cure conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is a discomforting condition, but with the correct treatment and guidance on time, it can be effectively treated. You can reduce the symptoms by following the above tips suggested by our eye specialists and consulting with our eye doctor immediately.

We, at God Service Eye Clinic, guarantee the best possible care for your eyes. Our skilled and experienced eye specialists are able to effectively cure various eye disorders through their expertise in their respective fields, using state-of-the-art techniques and high-tech equipment.

Seek medical help from our eye specialist in Kanpur immediately if you notice conjunctivitis symptoms developing. We are ready to assist you!