Conjunctivitis (Sore Eye)

[Maya]

I would like to post this thread as my brother is currently suffering from what is commonly known as a "sore eye" (his left eye) or in medical terms called Conjunctivitis.

I am not entirely sure where he has acquired the virus/infection, and we used to get this a lot when we were younger. Growing up in a tropical country, sore eye is fairly common at least to where we grew up at and I would usually get it on extremely hot weather conditions. It is summer time here in Canada and the weather is pretty hot so this might be the reason behind it. I was kind of surprised since we have not had it for ages but for those of you who do not know what it is please have a look at this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conjunctivitis

So just in case anyone will be suffering or is currently suffering from this, please seek medical attention immediately so you can be checked up/tested and be provided with an anti-inflammatory or antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Once it is confirmed that you have it, do not share towels, eyeglasses, sunglasses, or make-up/cosmetics, as this may only lead to transfer of an infection.

 

[Perpetual Indulgence]

viral is the only type that is contagious
antibacterial drops do very little for viral conjunctivitis but reduce the injection (redness)
the virus will run its course

I see plenty of allergic conjunctivitis all year round. I have never heard of it being referred to as sore eye only pink eye.
I have worked in ophthalmology for 14 years.

 

[Foreigner]

Conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting, but the irritation can be lessened with used chamomile tea bags put on the affected eye for 20 minutes. (You have to steep the bag and then apply it.)

Last time I had conjunctivitis someone recommended that I put a drop of castor oil in each eye, which I did, and it was gone in a day. It's an old folk remedy, but the oil has to be pure, and I know that some people would feel uneasy putting oil in their eye.

 

[Maya]

Bad news guys I think I might be having this as well I hope I am just being paranoid but my eyes are starting to itch.

 

[Foreigner]

Well, it's highly contagious so it's possible... but don't panic, even if you do have it, it will go away soon on its own. Try the chamomile teabags, they really help!