Redness, itching and the sensation of sand in the eyes are signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis, a disease that occurs when a virus, bacteria or other source causes eye irritation, particularly affecting the conjunctiva which is a thin, transparent film lining the eyeball..
In general, the symptoms begin in one eye, but quickly affect the other because when passing the hands over the eyes, they carry the microorganisms that contaminate the second. This disease is contagious and lasts approximately 1 week, its treatment is carried out with drops for the eyes. and compresses.
If you think you have conjunctivitis, select your symptoms to find out what the odds are:
Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is generally more common in a cold and may even be associated with sore throats because the immune system is more fragile, in this type of conjunctivitis there is a high risk of transmission and, therefore, it is very important to avoid direct contact with the infected eye or secretions.
In the case of allergic conjunctivitis, it is usually caused by sensitivity to various substances, products or objects, the most common being eye makeup, pollen, dust, contact lenses and eye drops; this type of conjunctivitis can occur every year at the same time, as in spring, for example, which means that it is caused by environmental change, such as the presence of more pollen or dust in the air.
Conjunctivitis is a very common infection in infants due to their weakening of the immune system, in these cases the symptoms are similar to those of the adult and vary in the same way, however, excessive irritability, decreased appetite and low fever may also occur in some cases.
In babies, conjunctivitis is more common in both eyes, especially when caused by viruses or bacteria, as children often touch the itchy eye and then touch the other, transmitting the infection from one eye to the other.
Understand how the baby is treated for this problem
Whenever symptoms such as redness, itching or constant eye pain appear, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist, in the case of adults, or the pediatrician, in the case of infants and children, to identify the problem and initiate appropriate treatment.
The treatment of conjunctivitis is usually carried out with eye drops to lubricate or with anti-inflammatory ointments and antibiotics, which must be applied directly to the eye to relieve symptoms and fight infections, if any; however, it may also be necessary to take antihistamine pills, especially in cases of allergic conjunctivitis.
Watch the video below and learn more about the remedies used to treat each type of conjunctivitis: