Red eye infection is also known as conjunctivitis. This eye infection is characterized by acute inflammation of the eye’s conjunctiva. This is the inner surface of the eyelids and the eye’s outermost layer. Red-eye infection is mainly caused by an infection due to a bacterial or viral agent or by an allergic reaction. Read on to know more about the risk factors, prevention and treatment of red eye infection.
Risk Factors for Red Eye Infection
The risk factors for red eye infection include:
- Exposure to a person affected with the bacterial or viral type of conjunctivitis
- Exposure to a allergic particle for allergic conjunctivitis
- Exposure to any chemical agent for chemical conjunctivitis
Prevention of Red Eye Infection
- Follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions on proper care of contact lens
- Avoid using other’s personal eye care products or eye cosmetics
- Avoid using any type of eye cosmetics, especially mascara
- Keep changing your pillowcase daily
- Daily change your washcloth and towel. Also, avoid sharing them with someone else
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
- Avoid touching your eyes with your hands
Treatment for Red Eye Infection
You should seek medical help if you observe any of the following symptoms:
- Redness or swelling of the lower eye lid
- Loss of vision or blurring of vision
- Stickiness in both the eyelids
- Formation of crusts in eyelids
- Yellowish, sticky and thick eye discharge
- Swollen or puffy eyes
- If you have watery, itchy, and unusually red eyes
Warm clothes and artificial tears can help alleviate the symptoms. Also, your doctor may prescribe a few eyes drops to treat conjunctivitis. Also, to treat a bacterial infection, antibiotic ointment or eye drops eradicate the bacteria.
