Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye is one of the most common diseases during the rainy season that can affect people of all ages and genders. Although it seems not serious, neglecting or not treating it can lead to chronic red eyes, chronic inflammation of the eye blood vessels, or severe infections that can reduce vision and cause eye disability. Dr. Arada Mokornpong, a retinal specialist and head of the Eye Center at Phyathai 2 Hospital, provided information about conjunctivitis as follows..
Did you know? These are the causes of conjunctivitis
- Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by two types of pathogens: viruses (Viral Conjunctivitis), which cause red, swollen, painful, and very irritated eyes, tearing, little discharge or clear mucus, and light sensitivity; and bacteria (Bacterial Conjunctivitis), which also cause red and irritated eyes, but the noticeable symptom is green or yellow discharge around the eyes and eyelashes, especially in the morning.
- Non-infectious conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies (Allergic conjunctivitis), whether from pollen, dust, or pet dander, exposure to cigarette smoke, factory dust, swimming where eyes contact chlorine in the pool, wearing contact lenses for a long time, or even unclean air conditioners. Hands that have touched chemicals, both acids and alkalis, then touch or rub the eyes, using cosmetics around the eyes, staring at computer screens for long periods, being in very cold air-conditioned rooms, or sitting outdoors under the sun for a long time can all cause conjunctivitis.
- Conjunctivitis… can be prevented! To prevent conjunctivitis, avoid touching your eyes with unclean hands or objects, wash your hands frequently to reduce infection transmission from hands to eyes, change towels often, avoid close contact or sharing items with infected persons, avoid sharing cosmetics, and do not wear contact lenses while swimming or sleeping. Do not wear contact lenses for more than 6 to 8 hours as this can cause red, dry eyes and increase the risk of infection (if you must wear them longer, use artificial tears every 2 hours).
Additionally, avoid keeping pets in the house or bedroom, avoid crowded and dusty places, and avoid using air conditioners or fans blowing directly on your face. Do not stay in cold environments for long periods. If you must stay in a cold environment or use your eyes continuously, close your eyes every half hour to rest for about 5 minutes alternately. Use artificial tears periodically to nourish the conjunctival surface, which helps reduce dry eyes, a cause of red eyes. In case of acid or chemical exposure to the eyes, rinse immediately with clean water or eye wash to reduce the concentration of acids or alkalis that can damage the eye surface and promptly see an ophthalmologist.
- If you feel eye irritation… promptly treat initial symptoms Conjunctivitis can be initially treated before seeing a doctor. If you feel slight eye irritation and the eyes are not very red, try resting your eyes intermittently and observe for 2–3 days. If there is no improvement, see a doctor. If red eyes and itching persist, suspect allergies. Avoid potential allergens such as dust, stuffed toys, books, pet dander, or dust mites. For homes with new pets, some people may develop immediate allergic reactions, while others may take months to develop allergies. If wearing contact lenses and experiencing red eyes, be more cautious. If red eyes are accompanied by excessive discharge or tearing, see an ophthalmologist.
There is no specific medication for conjunctivitis. When visiting a doctor, the cause of the red eyes will be diagnosed, and treatment will be symptomatic, such as resting the eyes, applying warm or cold compresses, rinsing the eyes with saline to reduce irritation, using eye drops or artificial tears, taking antihistamines, or antibiotics as needed. Although it seems not serious, neglecting or not treating it can lead to chronic red eyes, chronic inflammation of eye blood vessels, or severe infections that can reduce vision and cause eye disability.
Dr. Arada Mokornpong
Retinal Specialist
Eye Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
