Pink eye is an infection of the eye that causes redness, itching, and discharge. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, foreign bodies, or allergies. To avoid it, wash hands frequently, keep face and eyes clean, and avoid sharing personal items.
Conjunctivitis, known colloquially as “pink eye,” is an infection of the eye or eyes that in many cases can lead to redness, itching, irritation, and a characteristic creamy discharge. For the most part, this infection is merely irritating, not threatening, although a doctor should be seen to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, he may offer prescription medications to help clear up the disease. Obviously it is preferable to avoid contracting it in the first place.
Pink eye begins with inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white of the eye and part of the eyelid. As the conjunctiva becomes more inflamed and irritated, it begins to become infected, causing the veins in the eye to turn red and irritated. If the infection is allowed to continue, the eye may start producing a discharge and it can become very uncomfortable.
There are several potential causes of this infection, including several bacteria and viruses. In this case, the condition is infectious, so the patient should be careful about touching the eye and interacting with other people. When it’s caused by bacteria, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the problem. Foreign bodies in the eye can also cause itchy eyes and irritation, and some allergies can also manifest as pink eye. In these cases it is important to remove the foreign body and understand the cause of the allergy.
Pink eye is a very common condition, especially in children, but there are some steps that can be taken to avoid it. The first is for people to make sure they always wash their hands before touching their eyes and face and do the same after touching other people. Keeping your face and eyes clean is also important, as is avoiding allergens that have been known to cause eye problems in the past. These basic steps are also helpful for general health and hygiene.
Additionally, people should avoid sharing things like wipes and eyecups, which may contain traces of infectious material. All materials used to clean the face and eyes, such as cotton swabs for makeup, should also be safely discarded and not reused if they are disposable, or washed before next use in the case of reusable items. . Labeling or color-coding things like washcloths can help people distinguish between their belongings in a large household.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
