Eye Drops for Pink Eye

Most of us have suffered from conjunctivitis at some time or the other. Conjunctivitis, which is commonly known as pink eye, is one of the most discomforting eye infections that affects both children and adults. Since our eyes are extremely delicate, they get inflamed or irritated on getting exposed to allergens or other disease-causing agents such as bacteria or viruses. Pink eye causes the eyes to turn red. It also gives rise to symptoms such as eye pain, swelling, discharge and severe itching. Instilling medicated eye drops can help in providing relief from these symptoms. The type of eye drop that needs to be administered will depend on the type of conjunctivitis one is suffering from. Here's some information on the types of eye drops that may be used for treatment of this eye condition.

Causes and Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is caused due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is a protective membrane that lines the sclera, the white portion of the eye. This membrane also covers the inner surface of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is categorized into bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Well, these terms are self-explanatory in nature. Bacterial pink eye occurs when the cause of inflammation is an attack by bacteria. Staphylococci and Streptococci are commonly known to cause bacterial pink eye. The chances of one suffering from viral conjunctivitis are higher in case of people suffering from sore throat, respiratory infections and common cold.

Allergic conjunctivitis, as the name suggests, occurs when one comes in contact with any substance that the immune system feels threatened by. Dust, fumes, mites, chemicals and various other substances can cause an allergic reaction. Pink eye symptoms and treatment vary depending on the type of conjunctivitis one is suffering from. Although symptoms such as redness, watering of eyes, itching and discomfort are experienced regardless of the type of infection, some symptoms might differ. For instance, in case of bacterial conjunctivitis, these symptoms might be accompanied by a yellow or green discharge. One might experience heavy tearing if pink eye is induced by an allergen. Is pink eye contagious? Well, viral and bacterial pink eye is contagious. Since it can spread easily, people suffering from viral or bacterial conjunctivitis must use eye drops to treat this annoying eye condition as soon as possible.

Treatment of Conjunctivitis

Though you can buy eye drops over-the-counter, using prescription eye drops is always a better option. It is always better to let the doctor determine the cause of pink eye. An examination of the sample of the eye discharge generally helps in determining the cause of the infection. If you are suffering from bacterial conjunctivitis, you will need to use antibiotic eye drops for pink eye. Antibiotic eye drops generally contain active compounds that either kill the bacteria or prevent them from multiplying. In case of allergic conjunctivitis, doctors suggest the use of saline solution for treating pink eye. Antihistamines might also be prescribed.

The symptoms of viral conjunctivitis generally resolve on their own in a couple of weeks. In case of viral pink eye, doctors generally aim at providing symptomatic relief with the help of cold compresses or lubricants. Since bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are contagious, take all possible precautions to prevent the spread of this infection. If you are a contact lens user, don't wear your lenses while you are suffering from pink eye. Wash your hands regularly and refrain from rubbing your eyes. Dispose off the tissues that you might be using for wiping your eyes.

Though home remedies can help in providing symptomatic relief, it is always better to use eye drops for treating conjunctivitis. Make sure that you follow all the eye care tips recommended by the doctor as well.