Beware of the highly contagious red eye disease?

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, can be worrying, as it can make the eyes very red and is contagious very quickly.

This condition is caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva or the clear membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

This eye disease can be caused by bacteria and viruses that are responsible for colds and other infections, including ear infections, sinus infections, and sore throats, and are the same type of bacteria that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea, two sexually transmitted diseases.

Pinkeye can also be caused by allergies, and this tends to occur more frequently in children who also have other allergic conditions. Triggers for allergic conjunctivitis include grass, pollen, animal dander, and dust mites.

Sometimes, environmental substances, such as chemicals or air pollutants (smoke and dust), can irritate the eyes and cause contagious eye diseases. Pinkeye can occur in newborns. Newborns can also contract pinkeye, which can develop into a more serious eye condition if not treated promptly.

Typically, mothers who suffer from sexually transmitted diseases are at risk of transmitting the virus to their newborn babies' eyes.

To prevent this, doctors will give antibiotic ointment or eye drops to all babies immediately after birth.

However, sometimes this treatment causes mild chemical conjunctivitis, which usually goes away on its own. If detected early, doctors will immediately treat pregnant women with sexually transmitted diseases to prevent the spread of infection to the baby.

Symptoms of pinkeye depend on the type. One of the most common symptoms is, the eyes feel sore and uncomfortable like gritty and the color of the eyes becomes very red.

In addition, excessive eye discharge causes both eyelids to close tightly. In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, itchy and watery eyes are common symptoms.

Pinkeye can be transmitted through direct contact with sufferers or with objects exposed to the virus from sufferers, such as tissues or towels.

In fact, this eye disease can be transmitted from one eye to another by rubbing or touching the infected eye, then touching the other eye.

For prevention, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Avoid sharing eye drops, towels, or pillowcases with other family members who have pinkeye. Additionally, wash infected towels, sheets, and pillowcases in hot water and store them separately from uninfected ones.