A conjunctivitis is extremely contagious when it is caused by bacteria or viruses. Small children are particularly affected because they spread pathogens more quickly.
Swollen, red, and burning eyes can be an early sign of conjunctivitis.
With many inflammations there is also the feeling of having a foreign body in the eye. A yellowish discharge can also form in the eye. A bacterial conjunctivitis is a conjunctivitis that can be well treated with antibiotics. Which type of inflammation you have can be easily determined by an eye doctor.
Symptoms
A conjunctivitis can be easily recognized by several signs. The most common symptom is a red and watery eye, often accompanied by burning and itching.
It feels as if there is a foreign body in the eye. The eye may secrete pus or mucus.
Often the eyelids are very swollen and stuck together, especially in the morning.
Causes
A non-infectious conjunctivitis can be triggered by various causes, such as dusty air, smoke, chlorine, wind, cold, or an allergy. Even simple actions such as frequent use of eye drops or wearing contact lenses can lead to conjunctivitis.
An infectious conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. Various bacteria can trigger conjunctivitis. In newborns, the cause is often the bacterium chlamydia, while in adults pneumococci, staphylococci, and haemophilus are more common causes. If it is a viral conjunctivitis, it can be highly contagious. In such cases, visiting an eye doctor is strongly recommended.
Treatment
The treatment of conjunctivitis is usually carried out with locally applied medication. For bacterial infections, antibiotics in the form of eye drops or ointments are usually used, which you can have prescribed by your eye doctor in Frankfurt.
However, the treatment also depends on the type of conjunctivitis. We are happy to advise you in more detail about possible treatments in a consultation; the professional opinion of an eye doctor is often helpful.
Of course, you can also help yourself by not rubbing the itchy eye, because this can make the eye contagious. Apart from that, rubbing only irritates the eye more, can worsen the condition, and lead to deterioration of the findings.
After contact with the eye, you should wash your hands as quickly as possible so that the bacteria cannot spread. You should rest your eyes as much as possible. Cosmetics should also be avoided.
Book an appointment online with our eye doctor in Frankfurt to discuss your symptoms and make sure you receive the right treatment.