Conjunctivitis caused by viruses or bacteria is highly contagious. Good hygiene is essential for controlling the spread of the disease. Once the infection has been diagnosed, the following steps are useful:
 |
| Preventing The Spread of Conjunctivitis |
- Keep your hands away from your eyes.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Dispose of used tissues immediately.
- Change your towel and wash cloth daily.
- Wear clothes only once before washing them.
- Change your pillowcase each night. Wash sheets and pillowcases in hot water.
- Discard eye cosmetics, particularly mascara, after a few months. Don't share cosmetics with anyone.
- Discard disposable contact lenses. Don't share contact lenses, lens cleaning solutions or eyedrops with anyone.
- Don't share towels, washcloths, pillowcases, handkerchiefs, glasses or utensils with anyone.
- Stay home from work, school or other community activities until you have no discharge, from your eyes. No discharge makes it less likely that you'II infect others.
Some allergic reactions can be a source of discomfort in the eye without necessarily reddening the conjunctiva. This type of reaction may be a result of common allergens, such as pollen and dust, or of substances that are not true allergens, such as cigarette smoke, perfume and exhaust fumes. Cosmetics also can cause allergic reactions on the sensitive skin near your eye.
In this type of allergic reaction, your eyes become irritated, itchy and watery. The eyelids may be puffy, and dark circles may appear under your eyes. Itchy, scaly, red skin outside the eye and on the eyelid may appear. Though these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they won't permanently hinder your sight. You might be tempted to rub your eyes, but doing so will just cause more irritation and itching.
Treatment. The treatment for allergic reactions in the eye is the same as that for allergic conjunctivitis. For many people an antihistamine eyedrop or tablet will provide sufficient relief and comfort.
To treat an allergic reaction on the skin around your eyes, apply a cold compress to the affected area four or more times a day to decrease swelling. You can also take antihistamine tablets. In severe cases your doctor might prescribe a steroid cream or ointment for use near the eye.
What's that red spot in my eye?
Have you ever been alarmed to discover a bright red patch on your eye? This scary-looking spot is usually a subconjunctival hemorrhage. It happens when a blood vessel in the conjunctiva breaks, leaking blood into the thin space between the conjunctiva and the white of the eye (sclera). The blood vessel may break for no reason at all or when you cough, sneeze or vomit forcefully. An injury to the eye also can cause such a hemorrhage.
 |
| Preventing The Spread of Conjunctivitis |
If you have pain with a broken blood vessel or if you get them recurrently, contact your doctor. Otherwise a subconjunctival hemorrhage doesn't require treatment. The red spot will go away after several days. To find out more, you can check out Preventing The Spread of Conjunctivitis.