Eyes can become red or irritated for a variety of reasons. It can be caused by high pollen levels, lack of sleep or misplaced eyelashes. However, red eyes are often the main symptom of a condition called conjunctivitis.
In many cases, the eyelids will heal on their own, but the accompanying symptoms can be bothersome. Fortunately, there are some home remedies to relieve the symptoms.
CONJUNCTIVITIS
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva (also called the sclera, the thin, clear membrane that protects the inside of the eyelids and the whites of the eyes). The conjunctiva is responsible for producing tears, which help remove dirt, bacteria and other irritants from the eye. Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed due to factors such as allergies, infections or irritants.
There are many different types of conjunctivitis, but they share common symptoms.
- Redness of the sclera.
- swelling of the eyelids.
- itching or burning sensation
- discharge of mucus or pus
- Especially in the morning upon awakening, crusting of the eyelids and eyelashes.
- Excessive tearing
- I feel a foreign body in my eyes
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
Most cases of conjunctivitis are caused by an infection or inflammation caused by viruses or bacteria invading the eye. There are several routes of infection, including direct contact with body fluids such as saliva and mucus from an infected person, as well as transfer of bacteria from other parts of the body, especially the sinuses in upper respiratory tract infections.
Failure to properly clean your contact lenses increases the risk of eye infections.
HOW TO TREAT CONJUNCTIVITIS NATURALLY
There is no need for a specific treatment to cure Viral conjunctivitis. You usually have to wait for it to go away on its own. Viral conjunctivitis does not require treatment and disappears in 1 to 2 weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually produces more mucus or pus than viral or allergic conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
- Use artificial tears – relieves itching and burning and removes irritants. Always use saline solution instead of medicated eye drops to reduce redness, as this can worsen symptoms.
- Apply cold compresses: The anti-inflammatory properties can significantly improve symptoms. Cold compresses constrict blood vessels, reducing fluid flow and swelling. To relieve symptoms, place a clean towel moistened with cold water over the eyes for a few minutes. Conversely, if necessary, you can remove dried pus from eyelids and eyelashes with a towel soaked in warm water.
- If you are prescribed antibiotics, continue taking them as directed until the entire course of treatment is completed, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping antibiotics prematurely can make the infection worse, making it more difficult to treat.
- stop wearing contact lenses. If you reuse contact lenses, wear new lenses. Your old contact lenses may be infected and you could get sick again if you reuse them.
- Avoid eye makeup. Throw away your old eye makeup and apply new makeup when your eyes are healthy.
HOW TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CONJUNCTIVITIS?
To prevent the spread of infection, it is important to follow these basic hygiene practices:
- Change pillowcases and sheets daily.
- Use fresh towels every day. It is important to wash your hands frequently, especially after touching your eyes.
Avoid wearing contact lenses until your eyes have fully recovered. Do not share visible objects with others.
HOW LONG DOES EYE REDNESS LAST?
Conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial infection can be spread to others from the time symptoms appear until the eye discharge stops or within 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins. Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is usually contagious before symptoms appear and may remain contagious as long as symptoms persist.
The infection usually clears up on its own within 7 to 14 days without treatment and has no lasting effects. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis may last longer than two to three weeks.
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