Treatment for conjunctivitis is fairly dependent on the condition of the eye. Therefore the treatment will vary widely from individual to individual. In most cases, conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial infection is treated by antibiotics, while most kinds of viral infections cannot be treated and instead the individual’s diet is altered so as to let the body fight off the infection. To obtain relief from the painful eye condition, one can place warm compresses on the closed eyelids for temporary relief. To make a warm compress, soak a clean cloth in hot water and wring out the dripping water from the cloth. Place this compress gently on the closed eyelids. Avoid rubbing the eyes as it can lead to an increase in the release of histamines which can cause further inflammation.
Since conjunctivitis caused by either bacteria or virus can be contagious, one must practice good hygiene including frequent washing of hands in order to avoid infection and contamination and also to prevent the infection from spreading to the other eye. If the eyes are irritated and scratchy all the time, you may require specific eye drops linked to this kind of eye condition. Additional symptoms such as inflammation of the eyes, sensitivity to light and constant running eyes, you must see seek your eye doctor for proper treatment.
Doctors generally prescribe a topical antibiotic application or eye drops for most bacterial infections. Your doctor may also prescribe a saline eye cleanser which will help to keep the eyes clean and to prevent the spread of the bacterial infection. In some cases, artificial tears may be prescribed in order to relieve the dryness and discomfort caused by conjunctivitis. Unfortunately, there is no curative treatment for viral forms of conjunctivitis and it is best to let its run its duration. However it is extremely critical to determine what kind of conjunctivitis the individual might be experiencing as people with viral conjunctivitis usually have good eye vision but experience redness in either one or both the eyes, or a small amount of discharge from the eyes.
In addition to your medication, it is also important to ensure that your room and your bed are kept clean. Excessive dust can irritate your condition and so your room should be cleaned at least once a day. Change your pillow covers on a daily basis as this will prevent re-infection. In addition to this, it is also advisable that you wash your linen and clothes separately with an anti-microbial wash.
The eye specialist may also look for additional signs such as small bumps or follicles on the eye or the eyelids and the presence of an enlarged lymph node located in front of the ear. In rare cases of viral conjunctivitis, the individual's immune responses may cause deposits to form under the eye's surface in response to the eye inflammation and such deposits are likely to create problems including hazy vision. Doctors usually prescribe steroids under such circumstances in order to control the symptoms and help to speed recovery.