<p><strong>Viral Conjunctivitis,</strong> or the pink eye as it is more often known, is a common eye ailment that can sometimes be downright irritating.&nbsp;<strong>When the eyes are infected, they become reddish or pink and swollen (inflamed), and they may produce a sticky discharge</strong>.</p>
<p>One or both of your eyes may be affected by conjunctivitis. Fortunately, many instances of pink eye are minor and treatable at home with a few simple steps, while others may be severe requiring medical treatment.</p>
<p><strong>Presently the pink eye or conjunctivitis cases are on the rise in the region.&nbsp;</strong>Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been witnessing a sharp increase in eye infections, specifically conjunctivitis.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>In medical terms, it is called adenoviral conjunctivitis. This usually happens every year after the rainy season, but this year these days it is taking the form of an epidemic.</strong></p>
<p><strong>At Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital&rsquo;s centres, we have been seeing multiple cases every day.</strong> Let us discuss in detail, what is this viral infection in the eye and how can we protect ourselves from the outbreak of this infection.</p>
<h2>What is Pink Eye or Viral Conjunctivitis?</h2>
<p><strong>Pink eye is an inflammation or redness of the conjunctiva.</strong>&nbsp;The conjunctiva is the clear tissue of the eye that covers the white part of the eyeball and serves as the foundation for the inner layer of the eyelid, helping to preserve the moisture in your eyelid and eyeball.</p>
<p>Viral, bacterial, allergic, and other factors can all cause pink eye. Getting an early diagnosis and following guidelines will help prevent the spread of pink eye since it can be infectious.</p>
<h2>What are the main causes of conjunctivitis?</h2>
<p>Viruses, bacteria, and allergens can all contribute to conjunctivitis, often known as viral pink eye. Conjunctivitis caused by viruses and bacteria is highly contagious. Conjunctivitis caused by allergies cannot spread.</p>
<p><strong>● Viral Conjunctivitis -</strong> Usually, the virus that causes a runny nose and a sore throat leads to viral conjunctivitis. This specific kind of pink eye is extremely infectious, and contagious. The condition is prevalent in both children and adults and spreads easily through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.<br /><strong>● Bacterial Conjunctivitis -</strong> This type of pink eye is brought on by a bacterial infection. When you have bacterial conjunctivitis, your eyes are painful, inflamed, and filled with thick, sticky pus. <br /><strong>● Allergic Conjunctivitis -</strong> It is a kind of pink eye that develops as a result of an allergy to cigarette smoke, animals, automobile fumes, pool chlorine, or other environmental factors. This doesn&rsquo;t spread like the viral conjunctivitis.</p>
<h2>What are the symptoms of Viral Conjunctivitis?</h2>
<p>Pink eye symptoms might vary depending on the type of pink eye. However, general conjunctivitis symptoms can include:</p>
<p><strong>● Redness on the inner or outer eyelids</strong><br /><strong>● Burning sensation in your eyes</strong><br /><strong>● Thick yellow discharge that crusts across eyelashes, especially after sleeping</strong><br /><strong>● An increase in tearing</strong><br /><strong>● Eyelid swelling</strong><br /><strong>● Blurred vision</strong><br /><strong>● A scratchy sensation in one or both eyes</strong><br /><strong>● Increased sensitivity to light</strong></p>
<p>If you experience any of these symptoms mentioned above, you should consult an eye specialist or doctor at the earliest.</p>
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<h2>Diagnosis of Viral Conjunctivitis</h2>
<p><strong>The majority of the time, a doctor can identify viral pink eye by questioning the patient about their recent health history, and symptoms, and by examining their eyes.&nbsp;</strong>The doctor may check the patient&rsquo;s eyes with equipment such as a Slit lamp to evaluate the condition of the eyes.</p>
<p><strong>While it's rare, if the doctor suspects bacteria are causing pink eye or if the condition is severe, testing may be recommended.&nbsp;</strong>Sometimes, if needed, the doctor may use a soft-tipped stick (swab) to collect secretions surrounding the eye and send the sample to a lab for testing to determine the cause of pink eye.&nbsp;<strong>It is very important that you consult a doctor if you see your eyes turning red or pink.</strong></p>
<h2>What is the best Conjunctivitis Treatment?</h2>
<p>The type of conjunctivitis a person has often affects the treatment for pink eye:</p>
<p><strong>● Depending on the severity of the symptoms and whether the pink eye is a result of a bacterial infection, the ophthalmologist may recommend antibiotic eye drops for conjunctivitis. </strong><br /><strong>● If allergies are the cause of the conjunctivitis, the patient may be advised to use specific eye drops to relieve itching and swelling. </strong><br /><strong>● In situations where a chemical or other material gets into your eye and causes conjunctivitis, rinse the material out of the eye. You might be instructed to use certain eye drops or eye ointments.</strong></p>
<h2>When to consult with an eye doctor or specialist?</h2>
<p>If you experience any of the following symptoms in addition to conjunctivitis, you should contact a doctor:</p>
<p><strong>● Pain in the eye</strong><br /><strong>● Vision that is still hazy or sensitive to light after wiping discharge from the eye</strong><br /><strong>● Significant eye redness</strong><br /><strong>● Symptoms that don't go away or worsen</strong></p>
<p>It is very important that you consult an eye specialist or doctor if you see any symptoms of the pink eye or conjunctivitis.</p>
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<h2>Preventing the Spread of Conjunctivitis</h2>
<p>Viral Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viruses is extremely infectious. It spreads quickly from one individual to another. By practicing some basic good hygiene habits, one can significantly lower the chance of contracting conjunctivitis and transmitting it to others.</p>
<p><strong>● Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, you may also use alcohol-based sanitizers to clean your hands. </strong><br /><strong>● Avoid interacting with someone who has viral pink eye. In case you meet a person with the infection or use his/ her personal goods, wash your hands thoroughly. </strong><br /><strong>● Do not rub or touch your eyes. This might make the situation worse or extend it to the other eye.</strong><br /><strong>● Do not exchange personal items like eye drops, towels, clothes, cosmetics, contact lenses, and eyeglasses.</strong><br /><strong>● For both infected and uninfected eyes, avoid using the same eye products.</strong><br /><strong>● Avoid swimming pools if you have conjunctivitis.</strong></p>
<h2>What you should do if you have been infected with Conjunctivitis</h2>
<p><strong><strong>●&nbsp;</strong>Do not use eye drops without a doctor's advice</strong><br /><strong><strong>●&nbsp;</strong>Take medicines only on the doctor's advice</strong><br /><strong><strong>●&nbsp;</strong>Cold water relieves eyes from excessive burning</strong><br /><strong><strong>●&nbsp;</strong>Avoid sharing your personal belongings with others (For example - towels, clothes, etc.)</strong><br /><strong><strong>●&nbsp;</strong>Isolate yourself and do not go out</strong><br /><strong><strong>●&nbsp;</strong>Wear dark glasses</strong><br /><strong><strong>●&nbsp;</strong>If the problem increases, consult an eye specialist or doctor</strong></p>
<h2>Preventing Reinfections</h2>
<p>If you or someone else at your home already has pink eyes, it does not imply that you or the person will not get it again. One can take the following actions to assist in preventing reinfection:</p>
<p><strong>● Discard any used eye or face makeup, as well as makeup brushes.</strong><br /><strong>● Clean your used spectacles thoroughly.</strong><br /><strong>● Extended-wear lenses must be cleaned thoroughly as instructed.</strong><br /><strong>● Wash your towel, all your clothes, and other things which are washable </strong><br /><strong>● Sanitize your belongings</strong></p>
<p>If someone at your home has viral pink eye, it can spread through contact with infected surfaces and through person-to-person contact. By practicing easy preventative measures, such as washing your hands often and avoiding close contact, you can minimize your chances of getting it.</p>
<p>Have you or someone else in your family developed the symptoms of viral pink eye or conjunctivitis?</p>
<p>If yes,<strong>&nbsp;<a href="../../book-doctor-appointment" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;</strong>to book an appointment with a senior and experienced eye specialist doctor at Eastern India's largest eye hospital and most trusted eye hospital in Bihar and Eastern UP.</p>
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<p><em>Do not consider this blog post as medical advice. We suggest you consult with the doctor to know about your eye condition and treatment procedure. Only the doctor can suggest you treatment after examining your eyes.</em></p>