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What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (thin, translucent tissue lining white parts of the eye) causing the white of the eye to turn pink or red. This is usually due to a viral or bacterial infection, or an allergic condition.
How is conjunctivitis transmitted?
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is primarily transmitted through direct contact with discharge from the eye of an infected person, and inhalation or direct deposition of infectious respiratory particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted via contact with contaminated surfaces.
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?
The common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:
Pink or red eyes
Itchy, irritated or painful eyes
Watery or teary eyes
A feeling like you have sand in your eye
Eye discharge (pus or mucus)
Conjunctivitis can lead to complications, including impaired vision.
What are the risk factors?
Persons exposed to an infected individual with bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, or their contaminated environment or items, are at risk of infection.
How is conjunctivitis treated?
Treatment for infective conjunctivitis depends on the cause:
Viral conjunctivitis is generally mild and usually resolves on its own. It is treated with symptomatic relief. However, in severe cases, antiviral eye drops or ointments may be prescribed. Antibiotic medications will not help with viral conjunctivitis.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
Allergic conjunctivitis may be managed with antihistamine eye drops and lubricants.
Conjunctivitis symptoms can also be managed at home. To manage symptoms at home:
Avoid touching or rubbing the affected eye or the discharge (if present) to prevent it from spreading to others.
Do not share towels or pillows with others.
Remove any discharge from your eyes with clean tissue paper, or with cotton wool soaked in water.
Do not wear any eye makeup or contact lenses until your symptoms clear up.
Hold a warm, damp cloth over your eyelids to relieve discomfort.
Seek medical attention immediately if:
Your condition gets worse or does not improve.
There is pain or pus discharge from the eye.
Your vision is affected (e.g. you experience blurred vision or sensitivity to light).
How to prevent conjunctivitis?
Preventive measures:
Practise good personal hygiene at all times.
Use and clean your contact lenses properly.
Wash your hands regularly with soap, especially before handling contact lenses, after going to the toilet, or when hands are dirty.
Avoid touching your face, including eyes, with unwashed hands.
Avoid sharing personal items (e.g. towels, pillows, eyewear or makeup brushes).
Please refer to Health advice for travellers for the full list of precautions to take when travelling.