## What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of a thin transparent layer of tissue called the conjunctiva, which covers the eyeball and the inner eyelid. If the disease involves not only the eyeball but also the eyelids, the inflamed area is called blepharoconjunctivitis. ## 4 myths about the disease You can only catch it from another person. Conjunctivitis is divided into three groups and three ways of infection: - Bacterial — caused by the penetration of various bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. - Viral — this is the most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis. - Allergic — caused by an allergic reaction of the body's immune system to allergens. This type of disease is not contagious to others. ## It occurs only in children Conjunctivitis is common in young children, but you can catch it at any age. The disease is more common in people who have a bad habit of touching their eyes with their hands. It is easy to catch the disease when using other people's hygiene products such as decorative cosmetics and towels. The risk group also includes children, as they are likely to pick it up when they actively explore the world around them. This can include playing in the sandbox, touching plants, trees, animals, and then touching their dirty hands to their face. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis in children may often be accompanied by diseases of the nasopharynx, otitis media, and sinusitis. ## There is nothing wrong with rubbing your eyes You can temporarily relieve symptoms, such as itching, but you can also damage your eye or exacerbate the infection. If you have a contagious form, touching increases the risk of spreading the disease to your other eye or other people. ## Goes away on its own Some believe that you don’t need to go to your doctor when you have conjunctivitis, but this is not true. In some cases, complications can arise if the disease is neglected. Treatment for bacterial and viral conjunctivitis should be started as early as possible. Only an ophthalmologist can diagnose and prescribe the necessary medication. ## How is it treated? To prescribe therapy, the first thing to do is to identify the form of conjunctivitis. Large swelling and a lot of discharge indicate viral conjunctivitis, and opposite symptoms indicate the bacterial form. Allergic conjunctivitis has a peculiar picture, which is visible in an ophthalmic slit lamp. However, these are all visual signs and you won’t know for sure without tests (conjunctival swab or culture). If the symptoms of conjunctivitis are present, but there is no opportunity to see the doctor immediately, wash the eyes with an antiseptic suitable for the eyes — for instance, Ocomistin and Vitabact. This should be done four times a day and the condition should be monitored. If you notice an increase in symptoms within two days, you will need to consult an ophthalmologist. ## Precautions If there is an adult or child in your vicinity who has conjunctivitis and you do not know for sure that the disease is allergic, it is recommended to observe precautionary measures, wash hands after communication, and try not to touch your face and eyes when they are nearby.