Recognize and Overcome the Red Eye

What is red eye diseases (pinkeye)?

Red eye disease, which often also called conjunctivitis, is a sign of clear red and inflamed membranes covering the whites of the eyes and the membrane on the inside of the eyelid. Pinkeye is often caused by viral or bacterial infection. Not only that, pinkeye can also be caused by allergies, toxic substances, and certain other diseases.
 
What is pinkeye contagious? 
  
Pinkeye caused by a virus or bacteria is easily transmitted. It can spread rapidly through the hands of a less washed clean or via objects that have been used by someone who had red eyes. This disease can also spread through coughing or sneezing. Children who are diagnosed with pinkeye should not go to school or undergo a special treatment for some time.
However, Pinkeye because of allergies (can be caused by pollen from seasonal flowers, cosmetics, and perfumes) and pinkeye because chemicals (can be caused by chemicals or toxic fluids, including bleach and furniture polish) is not contagious.

Symptoms: Red eye

Red eye or hyperemia, is a common symptom of pinkeye. Pinkeye is usually not serious and will not cause eye damage in the long term if detected quickly and treated quickly.

Symptoms: swollen and reddened eyelids

Symptoms of pinkeye caused by a virus usually affects both eyes. Pinkeye caused by a virus usually begins in one eye and infect the other eye within a few days ahead. Swelling of the eyelids most often caused by bacterial and allergic pinkeye.

Symptoms: lots of tears

Pinkeye caused by viruses and allergies cause more tear production than usual. Symptoms: itchy eyes and hot If you feel there yangmenyelimuti itching eyes and his eyes seemed on fire, this is one common symptom of pinkeye.

Symptoms: liquid eye

Clear fluid in the eye is usually caused by viruses and allergies. 
 If the color of the liquid becomes more yellowish green (and there in large quantities), this is a sign of pinkeye is caused by bacteria.

Symptoms: crusty eyelids

If you woke up and hard to open my eyes this can be caused by the crust that accumulates during sleep because of pinkeye caused by bacteria. Pinkeye resulting from the virus rarely marked by a crust on the eyelid.

Symptoms: Sensitive to light   

Pinkeye can cause the eyes to become sensitive to light (photophobia). Children who experience acute symptoms such as changes in the power of vision, sensitivity to light, or severe pain may have become infected outside the conjunctiva and should be examined again by doctors.

Symptoms: there is something in the eyes

You may feel there is something disturbing in the eyes as if something is in the eye. Or, your child may describe it with persaan like there sand in the eye. Irritation or feeling there is sand in the eye can indicate bacterial pinkeye.

Diagnosis pinkeye

Doctors often diagnose pinkeye only by distinguishing the symptoms. However, sometimes needs to be examined with slit lamp and even in some cases, the crust of the eye should be sent to the laboratory for dialkukan anilis to find the cause.

When the red eye of other significant

Pinkeye who survive constantly can be a sign of other diseases that exist in the body. Most of the rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

How to cope with pinkeye

Pinkeye caused by bacteria treated with antibiotic drops, ointments, or pills to fight infection. While pinkeye caused by a virus can not be handled, you can only allow the virus to pass, and generally takes 4-7 days. Pinkeye caused by allergies will improve when the allergen is removed and allergy treatment. Pinkeye caused by chemical substances should be cleaned from the eyes and straight to the doctor.

Healing

To reduce pain and lift the crust due to viruses and bacteria, compressed eyes with a cloth that has been soaked in cold water or warm water. Make sure to use a different cloth for both eyes to prevent spread of infection. In addition, should always use a clean cloth. Clean the eye from the liquid to remove from the inside to the outside of each eye. For pinkeye caused by allergies, an antihistamine can be used to treat symptoms.

How long will I be contagious?

If you're having pinkeye caused by bacteria, you can return to work or school 24 hours after the use of antibiotics. With the pinkeye is caused by a virus, you can still transmit over the symptoms still exist. Make sure your doctor.

Prevent its spread

If you or your child has pinkeye infections, avoid touching the eyes, and wash hands frequently, especially after treating the area of ​​pain. Never share towels or handkerchiefs, and throw away the tissue that has been used far away. Clean every surface including a bath or a door handle. Keep them and do not use makeup when infected. (Media Indonesia)