Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva (outer covering) which does not necessarily require treatment. You can manage the symptoms with the following over-the-counter medications.
Artificial tears
Artificial tears relieve dryness and also reduces inflammation.
Inflammation shrinks your tear duct and causes dryness which leads to irritation and itching. Using artificial tears improves lubrication and promotes healing.
Artificial tears are also available as eye ointment and gels.
Eye ointments are sticky and stays in eye for a longer time that helps healing.But, If you are travelling this is not the best choice as this will trap the dirt from environment.
Antihistamine eye drops
Antihistamine eye drops will help with itching and inflammation.
As OTC medication for red eye, Antihistamine in combination with decongestant drops are also available.
Before looking into other treatment options, it is important to understand the cause of conjunctivitis.
Understanding Conjunctivitis
The transparent membrane that lies above the white part of the eye is the conjunctiva.
Believe it or not, this unnoticeable layer secretes a small amount of tear and mucous that protects the eye from environmental microbes and dirt.
The tear and mucous are like floor cleaning liquid while blinking is like mopping the floor.
How often do we clean the floor but toddlers would make it dirty in seconds.
In the same way, some factors like viruses, bacteria, and allergens would cause inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
How Bacterial pink eye is treated with antibiotics but is not necessary. The infection clears out within 2-5 days and will get better in further days.
For bacterial conjunctivitis topical antibiotic eye drops are prescribed by the doctor.
Viral conjunctivitis
Virus-caused conjunctivitis is more common among school-going children and is more contagious than bacterial conjunctivitis. This will take up to 2 weeks for healing.
Allergic conjunctivitis/chemical conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is a non-communicable condition where the inflammation is caused by an allergen.
Allergen is something that triggers the immune system. In simple words, it actually fools the immune system as a villain but is actually a common artist.
For example, pollens, chemicals, fumes, gases, etc…,
This condition improves when the allergen is removed. Moving to a better environment or using artificial tears would help.
In unavoidable conditions like weather, antihistaminic eye drops may help.
How it spreads and the prevention
Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria and viruses is contagious while allergens and chemicals caused conjunctivitis are noncommunicable.
It is difficult to find the cause by symptoms. As said “Prevention is better than cure” Follow these preventive measures
1. Wash your hands
Can you remember when was the last time you touched your eye with dirty hands?
As per scientific data, a person touches his face 23 times in an hour.
Even I was shocked by this data and I could relate to this only when my makeup artist stopped me several times from touching my face during 1-hour makeup session.
Hence, wash your hands often to prevent the transfer of microbes from your hands.
2. Proper eye hygiene
Eyes are closer to each other. However, with proper eye hygiene practices, it is possible to prevent the transfer of infection.
Clean any discharge from the infected eye and dispose of it properly.
Do not share towels.
Do not use the same eye drops for both eyes.
It is better to use single-use eye drops as it is free of preservatives and hygienic.
Do not rub your eyes
3. Protect your eyes
Conjunctivitis would cause light sensitivity. Hence, your eyes would love some shade.
Also, using sunglasses would prevent damage caused due to UV rays.
4. Use contact lenses with caution
- Washing your hands is very important before removing and placing contact lenses.
- Use fresh solution every night.
- Do not wash or store lenses in tap water.
- Let your lens swim in storage solution during your swimming session. Wearing lenses during swimming increases the chance of infection.
- Safe use of contact lenses includes removing them before sleep.
- Use contact lenses as prescribed using them without replacing them within the replacement schedule will increase the chance of infection.
- You see the same with lenses but what you can’t see is protein and mucus buildup on your lenses.
- Do not use contact lenses until the infection clears out or what your physician suggests.
5. Makeup with conjunctivitis
It is better to avoid eye makeup during conjunctivitis as this will not help with the healing process.
You are not only irritating your eye but also contaminating your makeup products with bacteria or viruses.
6. Home remedies
Aloe vera is known for its lubricant property and soothing effect.
Aloe vera constituents containing eye drops are also available for convenient usage. Click the image below.
Garlic has antimicrobial properties and is well known for the conjunctivitis treatment.
Slice a small piece of garlic, and allow the juice to come out.
Rub it on the affected area or around it and let it dry.
Do not apply to the sensitive part of the eye as this may irritate.
- Turmeric is made into a paste and applied to the affected eye.
- Green tea has antioxidants that help with inflammation.
Refrigerate a pack of green tea and apply it like a cold compress for a few minutes.
This method is convenient as this will not leave any stains after application and shows immediate relief.
CONCLUSION
If the condition does not improve within a few weeks, consult an ophthalmologist.
Using drugs like antibiotics and eye drops without a prescription may lead to other complications. Long term use of OTC drugs will also worsen the condition. It is better to consult a doctor after few weeks if the condition doesn’t improve.