CONJUNCTIVITIS
What is it?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and the lining of the eyelids.
Symptoms: The eyes are red and inflamed, they feel dry and scratchy, and discharge of yellow pus, the discharge causes the lids to become sticky and crusted particularly overnight. Infectious conjunctivitis is contagious.
Causes: Bacterial or viral infection, foreign body in the eye, hay fever or other allergy.
Treatment in the home: Keep the eyes free of discharge by regularly wiping them with clean, moistened cotton gauze swabs. To prevent infection spreading, do not share face cloths and towels.
Possible complications: Other organs may become infected, depending on the causative organs and the patient’s general condition and age.
When to consult a doctor: If the eyes feel gritty and are red and sticky. If there is severe pain.
What the doctor may do: Examine the eyes to determine the cause of the inflammation. Prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment if a bacterial infection is present.