Good health is highly underrated!
Don’t get it twisted people! Even Doctors do not like bugs, neither do they like diseases.
I am here to share my experience with conjunctivitis, it was one hell of an experience lol!
“It is easier to treat a patient than to actually be the patient.” …….these are TSJ’s wise words.
How I got the “pink” eye?
I Got it from my little 2-year-old munchkin.
I just knew my turn with conjunctivitis was near when he kept cuddling and hugging me with the same hands he had used to rub his eye. I still love him massively though.
I really wonder why it’s called the pink eye, mine were RED!!
Bright red!!
Ain’t no pink up in there. But for learning purposes illd stick to calling it the pink eye, that’s what the medical books say.
Where I am from, it is also called Apollo eyes but this isn’t an official name and is definetely not valid in the medical world.
It started out unilateral (meaning it was one sided; the right), and when it seemed like some respite was near, the left followed suite.
I decided to talk about it today because I love y’all and I wouldnt want anyone suffering the conjunctivitis fate, like I did.
What is Conjunctivitis?
Simply put, it is the inflammation (infection) of the conjunctiva (the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid)
How is it transmitted?
The infectious type of conjunctivitis is transmitted via a hand to eye or an object to eye contact. This means that it could be transmitted when the eye comes in contact with an object or when exposed to the secretions from an infected person. Studies also show that they could be spread through droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person.
Types of conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis could be classified into 4 major types going by etiology (cause) namely;
Infectious Conjunctivitis
Usually caused by a bacteria, or more commonly a viral organism. An important thing to note about this type is that it spreads like wild fire from person to person.
Bacterial causative organisms that have been implicated include the staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria. Likewise, viruses that have been associated with conjunctivitis include the adenoviruses and the coronaviruses including the recent COVID 19 virus.
Allergic conjunctivitis
This type of conjunctivitis occurs in people who are prone to allergies and is usually brought on by triggers/ allergens such as mold spores or even pollen from weeds. This type of conjunctivitis isn’t contagious.
Chemical Conjunctivitis
This is caused by exposure to environmental factors that irritate the eye such as soaps, hair sprays, cleaning agents and the likes. This type is also not contagious.
Ophthalmia Conjunctivitis
This particular type occurs in new borns when they are exposed to chlamydia or gonorrhea infections in the birth canal. Shocking isn’t it? but absolutely true.
What symptoms are sure pointers to the pink eye?
1. A pink or red discoloration of the white part of the eye( obviously)
2. Puffy eyes
3. Discharge which form crusts after a night sleep/rest ( Discharge is usually found with the infectious type and more with the bacterial conjunctivitis.
4. Eye pain( The pain was intense for me, I felt like my eye was about to pop out of its socket)
5. Itching! (The urge not to itch back was serious!)
6. Tearing/ watery eyes
7. Severe headache (not so common but in my case it was present)
8. Nasal congestion (in my case this was also present)
Re-infection is a possibility guys! Just coz you had it once doesn’t mean you are immune to it. we have to talk about ways to prevent this menace!
7 ways to prevent re-infection
- Wash your hands as often as possible for at least 20secs. Avoid putting unwashed hands near your eyes.
- Stay away from anyone with active conjunctivitis.
- Do not share towels or any other personal items with anyone.
- Discard any cosmetic product especially eye make up used shortly before or during conjunctivitis.
- Change bed sheets, pillow cases, towels and wash cloths used during the infection. And if you can’t afford to replace them, it is advisable to soak them in hot water before washing.
- Toss away, contact lenses that may have come in contact with your eyes during the infection.
- Do not share eye drops with anyone who has the infection.
Treatment
To be honest most cases of conjunctivitis would resolve on their own. However, for the bacterial conjunctivitis, topical antibiotics may help to reduce the length of infection and reduce its spread. Please note that topical antibiotics have no use where the other types are concerned.
Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand would most definitely run its course. Give or take, 2 -3 weeks at most. However artificial tears, cold compress and antihistamines may help to relieve symptoms while they last.
For the allergic type, the most important factor is the removal of the offending agent or irritant. Like wise for the chemical type, irrigation of the eye with normal saline or clean water would help clear it faster.
Important!!
Please o Guys! Note that it is still always better to visit your doctor for any worrisome health issue. This isn’t a platform to replace necessary Doctor checkups rather it is a space to keep you informed and aware.
So yeah that’s my pink/ red eye experience, I hope this article helps to prevent someone from falling into the conjunctival web. CIAO
