Which symptoms indicate conjunctivitis and how can I treat it?
October 9, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Tobias Helbig
Dear doctor,
My name is Jakob Weise and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing problems with my eyes for a few days. It started with a slight itching and burning sensation, but has since become significantly stronger. My eyes are red and feel irritated. Additionally, I have increased tearing and a slight sensitivity to light.
I am concerned that it could be conjunctivitis and I wonder what symptoms are typical for such an inflammation. Are there any other signs I should be aware of?
Furthermore, I am unsure how to treat conjunctivitis. Should I use special eye drops or are there home remedies that could help? Is it advisable to see a doctor or can I treat the inflammation myself?
I would greatly appreciate your assessment and am thankful for any advice you can provide. It is important to me to alleviate my eye problems quickly and effectively to avoid any potential complications.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Jakob Weise
Dear Mr. Weise,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your eye discomfort. The symptoms you described such as itching, burning, redness, irritated eyes, increased tearing, and sensitivity to light are indeed typical of conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.
In addition to the symptoms you mentioned, other signs of conjunctivitis may include: swelling of the eyelids, eyes glued shut in the morning, feeling of a foreign body in the eye, increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and increased production of yellow or green eye discharge.
When it comes to treating conjunctivitis, it is important to first determine the cause of the inflammation. In most cases, it is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, but allergic reactions or irritants can also lead to conjunctivitis. Therefore, it is advisable to see an eye doctor to identify the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.
For bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops or ointments may be prescribed. For viral conjunctivitis, antiviral medications or simply symptomatic treatments such as artificial tears and cool compresses are recommended. For allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamines or corticosteroid medications may be helpful.
Home remedies such as cool compresses, chamomile tea bags, or eye rinses with plain water can help alleviate the symptoms of conjunctivitis, but they cannot replace medical treatment. If you experience severe pain, vision changes, or significant discomfort, it is important to seek immediate attention from an eye doctor.
I hope this information was helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require a specific diagnosis and treatment.
Sincerely,
Tobias Helbig
