Common Eye Diseases
What is Eye Flu or Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis or Eye Flu, or Pink Eye, as commonly known, refers to the inflammation of the Conjunctiva, a thin delicate membrane covering our Eye’s white part and the eyelid’s inside. Bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritants may well cause it.
Here are some causes, Symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips for Conjunctivitis or Eye flue/Pink Eye.
Causes of Eye Flu/Pink Eye or Conjectivtis
- Bacteria: Bacterial Conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Viruses: Viral Conjunctivitis is caused by viruses, such as adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, or varicella-zoster virus.
- Allergies: Allergic Conjunctivitis is caused by allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
- Irritants: Irritant Conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to substances that irritate the eyes, such as smoke, chemicals, or fumes.
Symptoms Eye Flu / Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also called “pink eye” or “eye flu,” can have different symptoms depending on what caused it. But here are some common signs of Conjunctivitis:
- The white of the Eye or Inner lid turns red.
- Feelings of itchiness or grit in the Eye.
- Eye discharge that looks like water or mucus.
- Swollen eyelids.
- Light sensitivity.
- Blurred vision.
- Crusty Eyelashes or eyelids, especially when you wake up in the morning.
If you have any of these signs, you should see an eye doctor to determine what’s wrong and get the proper treatment. Depending on what caused the Conjunctivitis, treatment may include eye drops with antibiotics or antivirals, pills to take by mouth, or other ways to ease the symptoms.
Treatment of Eye Flu or Conjunctivitis
Please note that a doctor should treat Conjunctivitis or Eye Flu, but some home remedies may help ease the symptoms.
Home Treatment of Eye Flu/Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) includes
- Cold compress: Put an ice pack or cold compress on your closed eyes for a few minutes to help reduce swelling and stop itching.
- Warm compress: Sometimes, a warm compress can also help. Take a clean cloth & soak it in warm water and wring it out; then apply it on your closed eyes for a few minutes to help your eyes feel better.
