I was told that I have conjunctivitis what does this mean?am-i-a-candidate-1

Conjunctivitis is most commonly referred to as “red” or “pink” eye.  The conjunctiva, which contains tiny blood vessels, produces mucus to coat and lubricate the surface of your eye. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated or inflamed, the blood vessels become larger and more prominent, making your eye appear red. Conjunctivitis can occur in one or both eyes. The symptoms of conjunctivitis include: inflammation of the eye, increased tearing, soreness of the eye, foreign body sensation, itchiness of the eye, blurred vision due to pus or mucous, excess mucous (pus), crushing of eyelashes in the morning.

There are many different causes of conjunctivitis. The most common are infections (viral or bacterial), allergies, and environmental irritants.  Viral infection is the most common cause of conjunctivitis which can last from one to two weeks and then will disappear on its own. Discomfort, however can be alleviated with warm compresses applied to the eye. Bacterial infective conjunctivitis usually produces considerable amounts of pus.  Some bacterial infections, however are more chronic and may produce little or no discharge, except for some mild crusting of the eyelashes in the morning. Antibiotic eye drops are typically used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis.  Infectious conjunctivitis, whether bacterial or viral, can be quite contagious.

Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.  If you are infected you should avoid re-using towels to wipe your face and eyes and you should wash your hands frequently, keeping your hands away from your eye.   Replace any eye cosmetics regularly, and remember to properly clean your contact lenses.

If you feel you are suffering from conjunctivitis and would like to be seen at Benaim Eye,
call our office at 747-7777 to schedule an appointment.