About this topic
Your conjunctiva is a thin layer that covers your eye. It also lines your eyelids. When you have conjunctivitis, this layer is swollen and red. There are many causes of this illness. Some of them are: ‚
- Infections
- Allergies
- Things that bother your eyes like smoke or pollution
This illness may spread from person to person easily, based on what is causing it. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- If you wear contact lenses, take them out. You may need to stop wearing them for a short while. Talk to your doctor about when you can wear contacts again. Wearing glasses is OK.
- If your eyes are draining or have a discharge, wash it away with a clean cotton ball or paper towel. Be sure to throw it away after using it. Always wash your hands before and after touching your eyes.
- Take care when you wash your face or hair. Keep soap and shampoo out of your eyes.
- Put cold compress on your eyes.
- Stay away from things that you are allergic to if your conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction. Protect your eyes from dirt and other harmful substances.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs based on the cause of your health problem. Talk to your doctor about what drugs you need to take. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activities will not be limited. Remember, this infection spreads easily from person to person. Ask your doctor when you can go back to work or school. ‚
What problems could happen?
You may be infected again from someone in your house, workplace, or school. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of this infection. ‚
- Change your pillowcases often.
- Do not share eye make-up or eye drops with others.
- Do not share pillows or towels with others.
- Clean contact lenses daily. Do not sleep in them unless your eye doctor says it is OK.
- Do not use eye drops or ointments in an eye that is not infected. Ask your doctor about other ways to prevent conjunctivitis.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
- Eye pain that is worse or does not get better with the drugs you are taking to help with pain
- Blurry eyesight or spots of blood in your eye
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my eye.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have eye pain or blurry eyesight.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/allergic-conjunctivitis.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚