Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the tissue that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. Prevent the spread and promptly treat conjunctivitis by identifying the causes.
Conjunctivitis is the most common contagious eye condition and can be caused by several factors. Viral and bacterial infections are the main factors that make this condition easily contagious from one person to another. Besides viruses and bacteria, conjunctivitis can also be caused by dirt, smoke, chlorine used in swimming pools, dust allergies, and irritation, which commonly occurs in contact lens wearers. However, conjunctivitis caused by irritation or allergies is not contagious.
Contagious eye infections caused by viruses are the most contagious and are most often caused by a virus called adenovirus. Adenoviruses are viruses that cause several health problems, including the flu, sore throat, bronchitis, diarrhea, fever, and pneumonia. Contagious conjunctivitis can also be caused by bacteria. Conjunctivitis can be transmitted from hands to eyes, from objects contaminated with viruses or bacteria, and through the respiratory tract.
Contagious eye infections are characterized by certain symptoms, such as itching or burning eyes, redness in the whites of the eyes or the inner eyelids, and watery eyes. Other symptoms may include white, green (mucus), or yellow discharge that forms a crust on the eyelashes. Vision may become blurry and the eyes may become more sensitive to light.
How to Prevent and Treat Infectious Eye Diseases
Contagious eye infections can be prevented by diligently washing your hands to reduce the risk of infection. You can also take several other preventative measures, such as:
Treatment for contagious eye infections will depend on the cause of the infection. To relieve symptoms, cold compresses and artificial tears may be recommended to lubricate the eyes and keep them comfortable and prevent dryness. Antihistamine medications may be recommended to reduce particularly bothersome itching. You may be asked to stop wearing contact lenses until the condition improves.
Medication for contagious eye infections caused by viral infections is usually unnecessary. Treatment involves applying cold compresses and artificial tears, along with maintaining eye hygiene. Antiviral medications are given for more serious contagious eye infections, such as herpes zoster. Antibiotics are prescribed for contagious eye infections caused by bacterial infections and are available as eye drops or topical medications. For allergic conjunctivitis, you will usually be given anti-allergy medications and eye drops after the allergen has been removed from the eye.
Treatment for conjunctivitis in babies is slightly different than for adults. See a doctor immediately if you experience or notice any of the above symptoms to receive treatment and prevent the spread of conjunctivitis to others.
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| Infectious Eye Disease Medication and Prevention |
Contagious eye infections caused by viruses are the most contagious and are most often caused by a virus called adenovirus. Adenoviruses are viruses that cause several health problems, including the flu, sore throat, bronchitis, diarrhea, fever, and pneumonia. Contagious conjunctivitis can also be caused by bacteria. Conjunctivitis can be transmitted from hands to eyes, from objects contaminated with viruses or bacteria, and through the respiratory tract.
Contagious eye infections are characterized by certain symptoms, such as itching or burning eyes, redness in the whites of the eyes or the inner eyelids, and watery eyes. Other symptoms may include white, green (mucus), or yellow discharge that forms a crust on the eyelashes. Vision may become blurry and the eyes may become more sensitive to light.
How to Prevent and Treat Infectious Eye Diseases
Contagious eye infections can be prevented by diligently washing your hands to reduce the risk of infection. You can also take several other preventative measures, such as:
- Avoid touching your face too often, because viruses can enter through the eyes, nose and mouth.
- Contact lens wearers are advised to pay attention to and maintain the cleanliness of their lenses and other contact lenses. Do not share your contact lenses with others.
- If possible, wear glasses instead of contact lenses.
- Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, pillowcases, mascara, or eye pencils with people who have contagious eye infections.
- Always wash your hands after coming into contact with someone who has an infectious eye infection.
- Do not use eye drops given to the infected eye again on the uninfected eye.
- Make sure that you and your child who has an infectious eye infection stay at home until the contagious phase is over or your child's condition improves.
Treatment for contagious eye infections will depend on the cause of the infection. To relieve symptoms, cold compresses and artificial tears may be recommended to lubricate the eyes and keep them comfortable and prevent dryness. Antihistamine medications may be recommended to reduce particularly bothersome itching. You may be asked to stop wearing contact lenses until the condition improves.
Medication for contagious eye infections caused by viral infections is usually unnecessary. Treatment involves applying cold compresses and artificial tears, along with maintaining eye hygiene. Antiviral medications are given for more serious contagious eye infections, such as herpes zoster. Antibiotics are prescribed for contagious eye infections caused by bacterial infections and are available as eye drops or topical medications. For allergic conjunctivitis, you will usually be given anti-allergy medications and eye drops after the allergen has been removed from the eye.
Treatment for conjunctivitis in babies is slightly different than for adults. See a doctor immediately if you experience or notice any of the above symptoms to receive treatment and prevent the spread of conjunctivitis to others.
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