Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is often seen as a childhood illness as it easily spreads around playgrounds and classrooms. However, it can be a major concern for adults too who may miss the initial symptoms.
Optometrist Jo Lindley, of Leightons Opticians warned conjunctivitis in adults can often arise at the same time that flu, cold or other respiratory symptoms start. The expert explained that adults are at a higher risk during winter when these respiratory illnesses are widespread and the cold, dry air can also irritate and inflame the eyes.
Viral conjunctivitis is incredibly contagious, if a person has the infection in just one eye it can easily be transmitted to their other eye and to other people if they are careful. Some of the vital symptoms the optometry experts urged people to look out for include feeling like there’s something in your eye and getting intense urges to rub your eye.
This can occur alongside itching, irritating or burning sensations. Your eyelids and eyelashes may also have more crusting than normal, particularly noticeable first thing in the morning.
If your contact lenses feel more uncomfortable than usual or aren’t staying in place, this can also be an early sign of viral conjunctivitis. If you are diagnosed with pink eye, Jo urged people to dispose of any contact lenses they used when they had the infection and avoid wearing contact lenses until their symptoms have ended.
Additionally, you can use moisturising eye drops and cool compresses to ease the symptoms. She added: “If your eyelids are sticky or crusty, clean them with cotton pads soaked in warm water that has cooled after boiling.”
Prevention is key, as the doctor advised: “Good infection control is crucial. Avoid sharing towels, practice scrupulous hand hygiene, and clean affected areas to prevent spreading the virus.”
Additionally, bacterial conjunctivitis and viral conjunctivitis have different symptoms and treatments. Jo highlighted that the viral disease typically creates “thin and watery” discharge from the eye while a bacterial infection will create “thick or sticky”.
She continued: “For bacterial conjunctivitis, associated with thicker, sticky mucous discharge, it can often be gently cleaned and bathed away. This type is generally self-limiting but may require antibiotic eye drops if it is persistent or severe.”