How to prevent conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye phenomena that affects the whole family, including newborns. Although it is very annoying, in most cases it is not serious, but it is important to know how to prevent conjunctivitis because it can be highly contagious and should always be diagnosed and treated by a specialist.
Conjunctivitis is caused by inflammation and / or irritation of the conjunctiva, that is, the thin, transparent membrane that lines the sclera (white part of the eye) and the inside of the eyelids.
As a result, there is a redness of the eye, with secretions which can cause the eyelids to stick (which gets worse when you wake up in the morning). We can also have the sensation of a foreign body or grit inside the eye.
Conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes at the same time, although it can affect one eye more than another and the process usually lasts 10 days to 4 weeks.
Types of conjunctivitis
There are three types:
- Vírica. It is the most common cause, it is very contagious and caused by the same virus as the common cold; with sore throat, runny nose, watery and reddened eyes.
- Bacterial. There is great reddening and purulent discharge of yellowish-white color. It is also very contagious.
- Allergic. It is not infectious or contagious. It is a seasonal disorder and occurs in people who have an allergic reaction to elements to which they are exposed (pollen, pets ...), or physical or chemical agents that cause inflammation of the conjunctiva by irritating or damaging it. redness, itching, tearing and swelling.
Keys to prevent conjunctivitis
Rigorous hygiene is the best way to avoid conjunctivitis. Some more tips:
- Do not touch your eyes, if they are affected.
- Handwashing frequently.
- Always use a clean towel and change it every day. Of course, do not share it.
- Change the pillow case daily while the infection lasts.
- Change cosmetics, such as for example mascara or for the eyes. We must throw them away and use a new one once the infection has passed.
Prevention of conjunctivitis in children
In the case of children, it is necessary to be much more cautious since, since it is a highly contagious condition, it is in the nursery school and in the school where most cases occur in the eyes. During the first 10-12 days of infection, conjunctivitis is highly contagious, which is why hygiene and hand washing are very important.
How to avoid conjunctivitis in newborns
Newborns are also exposed to it. In the birth canal of the mother there are bacteria that, although they do not cause symptoms in women, they are dangerous for the baby that can be spread during childbirth and develop a severe conjunctivitis called neonatal ophthalmia.
Therefore, in the first hours of life, the neonatologist applies an antibiotic ointment to the baby in his eyes to prevent possible eye infection.
Dr. Marta Suárez-Leoz. Ophthalmologist, Hospital La Milagrosa, Madrid.
