Conjunctivitis: Expert Insights On Symptoms, Home Remedies, And Prevention

With its multifaceted origins and varied symptoms, conjunctivitis remains a concern. Experts unveil signs, prevention, and home remedies for this condition.

Conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye," causes discomfort by inflaming the delicate conjunctiva, necessitating effective treatment. (Representational Image)

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Conjunctivitis, colloquially known as 'pink eye', has emerged as a compelling topic in the field of ocular health. Conjunctivitis commands attention with its unmistakable symptoms and far-reaching implications, and experts lend their expertise to navigate its complexities. With its multifaceted origins and varied symptoms, conjunctivitis remains a concern. Experts unveil signs, prevention, and home remedies for this condition.

Navigating Symptoms And Home Solutions

Dr Shrey Srivastav, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at Sharda Hospital, highlighted the conjunctivitis symptoms individuals should watch out for, that incliudes redness, watery or pus-like discharge, itchiness, burning sensation, eyelid swelling, sensitivity to light which is known as photophobia, and a gritty sensation.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms:

• Redness and irritation in the eyes
• Watery or pus-like discharge
• Itchiness or burning sensation
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Sensitivity to light
• Gritty feeling in the eyes

For mild cases, Dr Srivastav recommended home remedies such as "a honey-water wash, aloe vera gel application, and the use of chilled cucumber slices." According to her, preventive measures encompass meticulous hand hygiene, refraining from sharing personal items, and proper care for contact lens wearers.

Unlocking The Power Of Home Remedies

In a bid to alleviate discomfort, Dr Vigyan Mishra, Chief of Lab at Neuberg Diagnostics, shed light on effective home remedies for conjunctivitis. Applying a warm compress provides soothing relief and reduces crustiness. A gentle saline solution rinse flushes out irritants, while lubricating eye drops offer respite from dryness and irritation.

Conjunctivitis Home Remedies:

• Honey Water Wash: Mixing honey (a natural antimicrobial) with warm water and using it to wash your eyes can be soothing.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Applying a small amount of aloe vera gel around the eyes may provide relief from irritation.
• Cucumber Slices: Placing chilled cucumber slices on closed eyelids may reduce swelling and soothe the eyes.

Dr Mishra further emphasised the importance of hygiene practices, urging frequent handwashing, avoidance of eye-touching, and regular changing of bed linens to curb infection spread.

Conjunctivitis Prevention:

Here are some ways listed below to prevent conjunctivitis:

• Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes.
• Avoid Sharing: Avoid sharing towels, eye makeup, and personal items.
• Don't Touch Eyes: Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes.
• Change Pillowcases: Regularly change pillowcases and bed linens.
• Avoid Irritants: Protect your eyes from smoke, dust, and other irritants.
• Proper Contact Lens Care: If you wear contacts, follow proper cleaning and hygiene routines.

If you have conjunctivitis, use dark goggles. In addition to that, you must avoid swimming and close contact with others. Children may avoid going to school for few days to avoid transmitting it to other students. Also, try to avoid crowded places and touching common objects like railings or handles. Use only antibiotic eye drops. 

Understanding Conjunctivitis And Its Connection To Flu:

Dr Deepa Shilpika, a Medical Retina Specialist at Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals - Hyderabad, unravelled the intricacies of conjunctivitis, encompassing its origins and diverse causes - viruses, bacteria, allergies, and irritants. She underscored the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.

Dr Shilpika said that the intriguing connection between conjunctivitis and flu-like symptoms, shed light on preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, mask usage, and vigilance against droplet infection.

"Flu-like symptoms will generally precede an episode of conjunctivitis. Influenza, or the flu, presents with fever, body aches, cough, and fatigue. For conjunctivitis caused by bacteria, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops. Viral conjunctivitis is self-limiting. Allergic conjunctivitis can be managed with antihistamines or allergy eye drops," Dr Shilpika told ABP Live. 

(Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for general guidance only. Individual results may vary. It is important to consult a healthcare professional, who knows your body type and medical history, before implementing the suggestions and information provided herein.)