Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, this tissue lining the inside of our eyelids and in contact with the eye. This is why the symptoms of conjunctivitis are basically irritation and redness of the eye.

Is it really conjunctivitis?

A red eye is not necessarily due to conjunctivitis; It is therefore essential to consult a doctor if you observe the following signs: a drop in vision, a dilation of a pupil, a cloudy cornea, damage to the eyeball (and not just the inside of the eyelid), pain or a very localized redness or a visible foreign body.

Conjunctivitis, the immediate steps to take.

As soon as an eye is red, burns and possibly sinks, it is necessary:

• If you wear them, remove contact lenses and replace them with glasses.
• Remove airborne irritants: no tobacco smoke, incense, perfume in the air.
• Do not rub your eyes with your hands (so as not to spread germs).
• Wash your hands often during the day with soap and water or use an alcoholic liquid hand sanitizer.

Allergic conjunctivitis, what treatment?

This conjunctivitis due to an allergy is recognized by the fact that the eye itches a lot and yet it does not run. No unusual transparent, yellowish or greenish secretion appears. In general, the person already knows that he has an allergic ground. This conjunctivitis can last a long time, often more than 15 days. The treatment is as follows:

• An antiallergic drug: If one has such a drug in a tablet prescribed by the doctor, it can be used immediately.
• Anti-allergic eye drops: consult a doctor who prescribes eye drops against allergies. These are drops to be instilled in the eyes several times a day in order to block allergic reactions. Be careful never to use old eye drops: these products can only be stored for a maximum of 15 days in the refrigerator.
• Eviction of the allergen. If you know what you are allergic to, you need to eradicate the source of the allergy from your environment.
• Consult an allergist. If you do not know what you are allergic to, an allergology consultation is necessary in order to treat yourself in the long term, possibly desensitize yourself.

What to do in case of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis?

This conjunctivitis with runny eye is caused by a virus or bacteria. Viral conjunctivitis heals on its own, but it is impossible to tell with the naked eye whether a virus or bacteria is involved.

• Use antiseptic eye drops or physiological saline (available in pharmacies without a prescription) to wash the affected eye several times a day. Be careful to wash your hands well before so as not to add microbes present on the fingers in the eye!
• If after 48 hours it does not get better, an antibiotic may be indicated. You should see a doctor who will prescribe them, as these drugs are not over-the-counter. Be careful, never use antibiotic eye drops that have been open for more than 15 days, even if they are in the refrigerator.

Complementary medicine treatment

A decoction of chamomile flowers. Boil some water, throw the chamomile flowers in it and let it boil for 10 minutes. This time is important to destroy any mold that might be present on the dried flower. Let cool and apply to the closed eye with a cotton ball, 5 to 6 times a day. Prepare a decoction every day, do not use the one from the day before.

How to avoid the risk of conjunctivitis?