Conjunctivitis occurs when the surface of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid become inflamed. The swollen blood vessels that result give the eye a pinkish hue.
Fortunately, “pink eye” (conjunctivitis) does not typically compromise eyesight, but it is bothersome and can cause the particular symptoms.
Conjunctivitis Symptoms:
- Excessive tears
- Thick discharge from the eyes
- Crusting of the eye
- Itchy, burning eyes
- Sensation of sand or grit in the eye
- Obscured vision
Conjunctivitis may or may not be contagious depending on how it develops. If it stems from a viral or bacterial infection, it can be passed on easily to others. Those affected should take precautions not to spread it, such as washing hands frequently. If the conjunctivitis is allergy-related, you are not at risk for infecting others.
Managing Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated. Like a common cold, it will go away in time. If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, your physician may prescribe antibiotics to treat it. If conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction, medications such as antihistamines can help reduce the inflammation.
An occasional case of conjunctivitis is typical, but if have recurrent flare-ups, you may have allergy-related conjunctivitis that can be treated through allergy immunotherapy. The advantage of immunotherapy is that it addresses the underlying allergy problem—not just its symptoms.
If you are considering allergy immunotherapy, contact AllergyEasy. AllergyEasy offers a type of immunotherapy known as “sublingual immunotherapy” which works much like allergy shots but is administered as under-the-tongue drops that are absorbed into the bloodstream through cells in the mouth. It is safer and more convenient than shots because it can be administered at home.
