1. Introductory remarks
Before describing conjunctivitis, as a matter of fact what we all need to understand is that allergy per se is not a word carrying negative meaning for our immune system is built to protect ourselves from the invasion of bacteria, viruses and other foreign body materials. Allergic reactions take place when the allergen causes the immune cells to release a substance named histamine and this is what causes the watery eyes or other symptoms depending upon the nature of allergy.
Typically a type that causes ‘pink eye’ conjunctivitis of the eyes is caused by allergens as pollen which when you get bothers you until it leaves but does not create any life threatening conditions. It is denoted with a swelling of the membrane lining the eyelids. It is necessary to understand the underlying cause that is creating the conjunctivitis for all the conjunctivitis are not contagious in nature as conjunctivitis classified under the category of allergic conductivities is not contagious in nature. Only the ones which are caused by harmful bacteria/viruses can spread very fast from one to another.
2. Causes and symptoms
In most of the cases, it is the play of viruses that cause conjunctivitis. Besides bacteria, exposure to pollutants, fungi & in rare cases parasites, using of contact lenses can cause conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis could have been caused by eczema, fever and or asthma. It is also found though not often yet in some cases, a Chlamydia bacterium which primarily is responsible for causing sexually transmitted diseases can also cause conjunctivitis.
Symptoms appear in blurred vision, forming of crusts on the eyelid, an irritating and itching feeling in the eyes, increased tears, redness and sensitivity to light.
3. Treatment
An examination of the eyes including conducting of a swab of conjunctiva as and where it is needed for analysis would have to precede the treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis normally disappears once the underlying cause of the allergen is removed but after troubling you for a few days. Antibiotic eye drops would take care of other types of conjunctivitis. But for the irritating conditions, viral conjunctivitis also tends to disappear on its own. In order to reduce the discomfort, you can apply warm compression by taking the precaution of using only clean cloths.
3. Concluding remarks
For reasons already indicated more care is needed while handling viral infections of the eyes for it has the potential to spread to as many as you come into contact. If keeping yourself in isolated conditions is not possible which in reality the case is, covering the eyes with cooling glass would be a viable alternative.