Eye Irritation May Not Be Prolonged

Eye irritation can interfere with daily activities and some of the causes are contagious. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with handling this condition appropriately and quickly. Eye irritation can be triggered by several factors, such as allergies, cigarette smoke, sand, dust, wood chips, contact lenses, post-surgery (such as eye bags surgery), to infections. Conjunctivitis or pink eye is one of the most common forms of eye irritation. This condition is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection and an allergy. Conjunctivitis caused by infection can easily spread and infect other people. Whereas allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

How to Overcome Eye Irritation

Recovery of eye irritation becomes easier and faster if you understand the ways to overcome them. Here are the steps you can take, including:

• Find out the types of irritation that may be experienced

Eye irritation symptoms experienced by patients with conjunctivitis are more or less the same, namely red, watery, and itchy eyes. However, the exact cause of conjunctivitis may be different based on the type and trigger factors. Conjunctivitis can be caused by several factors, such as allergies, irritation to chemicals, or viral and bacterial infections.
• Viral conjunctivitis will generally recover within one to two weeks without special treatment. However, compressing the eyes with clean cold water can help reduce discomfort.
• Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is generally accompanied by discharge of pus or pus from the corner of the eye. To relieve these symptoms, the doctor will give antibiotics, either in the form of oral medication, ointments, or eye drops.
• Conjunctivitis caused by allergies will generally have an impact on both eyes and cause general symptoms of allergies, such as itchy, runny, and swollen eyes. Giving eye drops can help relieve symptoms.

• Clean the liquid that comes out of the eye regularly

Wash hands before cleaning eyes. With clean hands, clean the eyes that are irritated several times a day. Use different cloths or wipes for each eye. Wash hands immediately and dispose of disposable wipes as soon as they are used. This action is important to prevent transmission.

• Use compresses to reduce irritation

Soak a soft cloth in warm or cold water. Then squeeze and press gently on the infected eye. Immediately change the cloth before switching to another eye to avoid transmission.

• Avoid using contact lenses

Contact lenses can cause eye irritation and trapped bacteria cause conjunctivitis. After the pink eye is cured, wash the contact lens thoroughly before using it again.

Guide to Using Eye Medication

Various over-the-counter eye drops may be effective for most people with conjunctivitis. However, it's better to get your eye medicine from a doctor who has examined your condition directly. Here are the guidelines:

• Eye irritation due to bacteria can be relieved by antibiotic eye drops.
• Eye irritation due to allergies can be overcome with corticosteroid eye drops or antihistamines.
• Antibiotic ointment can be used as an alternative to eye drops. The use of this ointment usually results in blurred vision after being applied topically.
• Artificial tears can be used to help complaints of eye irritation such as itchy and dry eyes. But before using it, consult an eye specialist to get eye drops that are appropriate for your condition.

Generally, eye irritation treatment needs to be adjusted according to the cause. Before use, make sure you know how to use eye drops. Eye drops also need to be stored according to the instructions listed on the drug packaging label.

Avoid Transmitting it to People Around You

Eye irritation due to viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be transmitted quickly. Patients who have recovered can also become infected again if a virus or bacteria spreads to family members who live together. To that end, there are several ways that can be done to prevent transmission, namely:

• Take permission not to enter the office or school so as not to infect friends or coworkers.
• Avoid touching your eyes directly with your hands. If your hands touch your eyes, wash your hands immediately with soap. Do not forget to wash your hands before and after using eye drops or ointments.
• Postpone the use of all products that involve the eye, such as cosmetics. Better yet, delay the overall use of facial cosmetics so that bacteria or viruses do not stay in the cosmetic product and cause the infection to recur.
• Wash towels and pillowcases every day as long as the symptoms have not subsided. In addition, avoid lending various personal items, such as towels, pillows, rags, and eye makeup, to others to prevent transmission.

Visit an eye specialist if eye irritation is accompanied by more severe symptoms such as unbearable eye pain, visual disturbances, and eyes turn redder. Consult your doctor again if after treatment, the situation still does not improve.