Soothing Suggestions

Whatever the cause, conjunctivitis can be painful and irritating. As with most symptoms or conditions involving the eyes, it is important to see a doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment. Although a viral or bacterial conjunctivitis will usually go away on its own, it will go away much quicker with the use of proper antibiotics and antiviral agents, says Carol Ziel, M.D., an ophthalmologist with the Eye Clinic of Wausau in Wisconsin. Bosland adds that if an infectious conjunctivitis lasts longer than two or three weeks, it can start to turn into chronic conjunctivitis. “In this instance, the bacteria get into the outer corners of the eyelid and spill over into the eye, infecting it as well. And these mixed infections involving the eyelid and the eye can go on for quite a long time,” he cautions. In addition to seeing a doctor and following his or her advice, you can take some simple steps at home to help relieve discomfort and, if you have infectious conjunctivitis, to keep from spreading the infection around.

Cool the itch of allergic conjunctivitis. “If there is any itching in relation to the conjunctivitis, cool compresses will really help to reduce it,” says Ziel. Simply wet a washcloth with cool water and hold it against the eyes.

Ice the swelling. Applying an ice pack to the eyes can help bring down any swelling from allergic conjunctivitis. “Try to keep the ice on long enough to reduce the swelling to the point where the eyelid can close down over the cornea,” says Boylan. (The cornea is the transparent circular covering in front of the eyeball that helps to focus light entering the eye.) “Otherwise, the cornea could dry out, which is another problem in itself,” he adds. “You rarely see this type of conjunctivitis not improve with ice packs and a little bit of time. Often, by the next morning, the swelling is almost completely gone.”

Apply heat to fight a bacterial infection. “Hot compresses can help the infection quite a bit because the heat dilates the blood vessels, bringing fresh blood to the area, and raises the temperature up above what is optimum for the germ to survive,” explains Bosland. “The heat also relaxes the muscles around the eye, which can be quite soothing,” he continues. Applying a washcloth soaked in hot water (provided it is not hot enough to burn the skin) or using a hot-water bottle works very well.

Drop in some relief. For minor allergic conjunctivitis, over-the-counter eye drops may provide soothing relief. “Any of these eye drops are fine to use provided there is nothing seriously wrong with the eye and provided you use them on a short-term basis only,” says Boylan. For safety’s sake, and especially if you are also using prescription eye medication, ask your doctor if it’s OK to use over- the-counter eye drops.

Be selfish. Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viruses is very contagious, so you’ll need to keep from sharing towels, washcloths, pillows, and handkerchiefs with others. “The fluid draining from the eyes could get on the towel or pillow and infect someone else,” warns Ziel.

Keep your hands off. “Because conjunctivitis can be quite contagious, it’s good to keep the germs off of your hands,” says Ziel. If you have infectious conjunctivitis, try not to rub your eyes, and be sure to wash your hands after wiping your eyes or applying eye medication.

Shield your eyes. Conjunctivitis can make your eyes extremely sensitive to light and other irritants. So do all you can to give them a break. If you’re going outdoors, put on a pair of sunglasses to help shield your eyes from wind and sunlight. Put off mowing the lawn or working in the garden until your conjunctivitis has cleared, or at least wear a pair of goggles to keep pollen and dust out of your eyes. Take time off from swimming, or wear a pair of well-fitting swimming goggles. And, when possible, close your eyes to give them a rest..