Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a condition that specialists in ophthalmology in Madison, AL often treats. You can learn more about the condition at the website on the Internet. The condition involves an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, or the thin and protective membrane that covers the eyeball’s surface and the inner surface of the eyelids.
How the Condition Develops
The condition can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and other germs that are transmitted by dirty towels, hands that are contaminated, eye makeup, or contacts. The condition can also result from exposure to smoke, dust, chemicals, and pollen. Conjunctivitis may also follow or accompany a cold or the flu.
Symptomatology
You have to be careful if you get conjunctivitis as either bacterial or viral pink eye can be spread. Furthermore, it tends to be experienced more in schools and daycare facilities where the risk of it being spread is even higher. It can either be spread from one person to the next by touch or through coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread by sharing washcloths, towels, or makeup. Its main feature is redness in the white of the eye, which is accompanied by a discharge that is either watery or thick with mucus. The discharge causes the eyelids to stick together.
What to Do If You Have It
Although conjunctivitis is usually a minor health issue that improves after a short duration, some types of pink eye can turn into a serious inflammation of the cornea. If this type of condition is not treated, then vision loss can result. If you wear contacts and suspect you have pink eye, discontinue wearing the lens until the condition improves. Specialists in ophthalmology also suggest to replace your contact lenses to prevent a recurrence of the condition.
According to ophthalmology specialists, four types of conjunctivitis exist. They are bacterial, viral, allergic, and chemical. Therefore, any of these causes can cause you the irritations that go along with the condition. See your eye care professional if you suspect that you have the condition without delay. Visit us for more info.
