Conjunctivitis is an ordinary eye problem which can be easily treated following a few easy safety measures. It is an inflammation of the slight, plain layering of the white part of the eye as well as the inner layer of the eyelids. Though it causes no hazards to eyes, it is quite annoying and gets cured in around 10 days.
Conjunctivitis may have more than a few causes. It may be viral, bacterial and may be an allergic reaction too. The treatment for different types of conjunctivitis varies according to the cause. Ophthalmologists use the phrase “pink eye” for viral conjunctivitis which is a highly transmissible disease caused by different viruses. Normally, nearly all pinkeye is caused due to viruses and it generally has no medical treatment. Therefore, precautions should be taken to not let it spread.
7 Dos and Don’ts to lessen Risks of Getting Pink Eye
Do not share personal items
Things used by the victim of pink eye may contain germs. So, personal items including washcloths, tissues and hand towels should not be touched or shared. Avoid giving out eye makeup, eyeglasses, makeup brushes etc. as well. Even if you touch, you need to wash your hands with antiseptics or use hand sanitizers to reduce the risks of getting pink eye. Use soap as well as warm water or you can use alcohol-based hand antiseptic that holds no less than 60% alcohol.
Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
While Sneezing and coughing, the victim must cover their nose and mouth. The fluids that get discharged from mouth and nose contain germs which can transfer the infection.
Do not share your contact lenses
The contact lens an individual uses while having pink eye can contain the germs. So, one should not share the contact lens. Also, he or she must frequently clean the lens if it is used. However, doctors suggest not to use lens while having the infection.
Clean the secretion from your eyes
Secretion is normal during the infection which can transfer the disease. So, you need to clean it time and again using cotton, tissue paper, wet cloth etc. Make sure you throw away the used things like cottons or tissues since once the virus comes out in the open, there is a chance of getting infected from it again.
Repeatedly wash your hands
You should frequently wash your hands if you have pink eye as hands may contain the germs and it can transmit to others. Especially when you are around friends, family members etc. you must wash hands or avoid touching ordinary items like- remote control, laptops, door knob, and more without washing your hands. Alternatively, you can use hand sanitizer frequently. You should also repeatedly clean bathroom, tap handles, shared phones, laptops etc. using right antiseptic cleaner.
Take in Vitamin A
Add rich sources of vitamin A in your food like- milk products, mangoes, tomatoes etc. Taking in Vitamin A up to a week after having the infection can help you to strengthen the immune system and aids in healing faster.
Wear Sunglasses
Your eyes turn out to be over sensitive during the time. Wear sunglasses while going out in the wind, or cold or sun to put off eye irritation. And, it should be washed time and again after using.
The small things you take care of can make sure that your infection heals quickly doesn’t spread to your family, friends and loved ones. On the other hand, carelessness can aid in the spread of the infection and turn a simple preventable problem into a major irritation in your life. Stay safe and protect your eyes!