After Hours GP Guide to Treating Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the clear, thin tissues lining the inner parts of the eyelid and can cover the white areas of the eyeball. This is a very common condition, but it can also be highly contagious, so here the After Hours GP team has prepared a guide for treatment.

The Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis often presents with a number of symptoms including the whites of the eye appearing pink or red in colour. While this may seem startling, it is caused by the small blood vessels in the eyeball becoming inflamed. Additionally, the eye may feel sore, itch or with a burning sensation. The eye may excessively water and be sensitive to bright lights, known as photophobia. There may also be a sticky yellow or green coloured discharge from the eye that is usually worse when first waking up. These eye secretions are highly infectious and should be handled carefully to avoid spreading the infection further.

These symptoms typically appear one to three days after infection and can last from between two days and three weeks.

The Causes of Conjunctivitis

There are a number of factors that can cause conjunctivitis including:

• • Viral Infections: Some viruses that can cause conjunctivitis are also associated with sore throats, colds, and flu. These types of infections typically begin in one eye, with the other eye becoming infected within a couple of days. Viral conjunctivitis can be highly contagious but typically clears up within one to two weeks. • Bacterial Infection: Bacterial infections are typically mild, beginning in one eye with the other eye becoming infected within a day or two. They often clear up in less than five days, with antibiotic ointment but you may see thick yellow or white discharge from the eye. This type of infection is more common in children and is contagious. It is also not uncommon to suffer from a sensitivity to bright lights. • Allergies: Conjunctivitis can be caused by an allergic reaction to substances containing pollen or spores. Irritants: An irritant containing chemicals or dust can trigger a bout of conjunctivitis. • Foreign Bodies: If you have a foreign body in your eye, such as sand or grit, it can trigger an infection. • Contact Lenses: Wearing contact lenses for prolonged periods, particularly overnight can trigger conjunctivitis. • Blocked Tear Duct: This is more common in babies or infants.

Treatments for Conjunctivitis

• Since there are so many causes, it is important to have a corrective diagnosis from your After Hours GP. The treatment options depend on the cause of the conjunctivitis. The following self care advice is suitable for all cases. • Keep the eyes clean: Before you bathe the eyes, wash your hands thoroughly using antibacterial soap. Clean any discharge with a disposable cotton swab dampened with weak salt water. • Dispose of cleaning materials: you should only use swabs, eye makeup remover pads or gauze pads once and ensure that they are disposed of properly. • Avoid eye makeup: You should avoid using any eye makeup until the redness and swelling in the affected eye have settled. • Avoid allergy triggers: If you suspect the conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction, avoid triggers by washing bedding and clothing frequently and close your windows on high pollen days.

Your After Hours GP can provide you with medications to manage or treat conjunctivitis. For more information on the treatment, symptoms or causes of conjunctivitis, the After Hours GP team in Perth is here to help.

If you would like further guidance to improve your health and wellbeing from an after hours GP, Perth residents should call us.