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The conjunctiva is
the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and
covers the white part of the eye.
A viral or bacterial infection can cause conjunctivitis. It can also develop due to an
allergic reaction to air irritants such as pollen and smoke, chlorine in swimming
pools, ingredients in cosmetics, or other products that contact the eyes, such as
contact lenses. Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea are
less common causes of conjunctivitis.
If you developed conjunctivitis due to wearing contact lenses, your eye doctor
may recommend that you switch to a different type of contact lens or disinfection
solution. Your optometrist might need to change your contact lens prescription to
a lens that you replace more frequently. This can help prevent the conjunctivitis
from recurring.
Self-care
Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of conjunctivitis.
Once an infection has been diagnosed, follow these steps:
Don't touch your eyes with your hands.
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
Change your towel and washcloth daily, and don't share them with others.
Discard eye cosmetics, particularly mascara.
Don't use anyone else's eye cosmetics or personal eye-care items.
Follow your eye doctor's instructions on proper contact lens care.
You can soothe the discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis by applying warm
compresses to your affected eye or eyes. To make a compress, soak a clean cloth
in warm water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids.
For allergic conjunctivitis, avoid rubbing your eyes. Instead of warm compresses,
use cool compresses to soothe your eyes. Over-the-counter eye drops might also
help. Antihistamine eye drops can alleviate the symptoms, and lubricating eye
drops can rinse the allergen off the surface of the eye.
See your doctor of optometry if you think you have conjunctivitis. He or she can
diagnose the cause and prescribe the proper treatment.