Conjunctivitis

This is redness and inflammation of the clear tissue covering the eye and the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva). Most cases infections caused by viruses or bacteria results in pink eye. The other factors -dry eyes from lack of tears or exposure to wind and sun, Chemicals, fumes, or smoke (chemical conjunctivitis) and allergies due to pollens, dust etc. During pink eye a crusty discharge may make it difficult to open the eyelids.

Treatment: Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic drops or ointments prescribed by doctor. Most cases of infectious conjunctivitis are viral and do not need treatment with antibiotics. If there is crusty discharge then use a warm, wet compress and gently remove the crusting on the eyes. To reduce the spread of the infectious conjunctivitis, wash hands frequently, do not share eye drops, cosmetics, towels, or washcloths.

Image credit: Daemonanyndel, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons