There are many myths when someone experiences problems with red eyes. Red eye is actually a medical condition called conjunctivitis. Reporting from the National Eye Institute, this condition occurs when the conjunctiva is inflamed. To correct various myths related to red eye due to conjunctivitis, consider the following review.
Myths about red eye due to conjunctivitis
Here are some myths about conjunctivitis or pink eye that need to be clarified:
1. Conjunctivitis is definitely contagious
Many people believe that everyone who experiences red eyes because of conjunctivitis is sure to transmit the condition. In fact, this is just a myth. The reason is, not all people who experience conjunctivitis can transmit the disease to other people.
If redness of the eye is caused by a virus or bacteria, this can indeed be contagious. However, if the redness is caused by certain chemicals or allergens , there is no need to be afraid because this condition is not contagious.
2. Only children can experience conjunctivitis
If you hear that conjunctivitis only attacks children, the sign is misinformation. Red eye due to conjunctivitis is most common in children. This usually happens because children tend to rub their eyes without washing their dirty hands. However, this condition can also be experienced by adults when doing these habits.
3. Red eye must always be conjunctivitis
There are so many conditions that make a person's eyes turn red. Starting from allergies to dry eye syndrome. In fact, there are three serious conditions that make the eye reddish, namely glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve), scleritis (inflammation of the white membranes around the eye), and uveitis (inflammation and swelling in the middle layer of the eyeball).
4. There is no cure for conjunctivitis
Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause. Conjunctivitis caused by a virus can indeed heal itself, helped by cold compresses and artificial eye drops to calm the eyes.
Another case if caused by bacteria, appropriate treatment is with antibiotic eye drops. In addition, allergy medications can also help relieve conjunctivitis if caused by allergens. For that, if your complaint does not improve, consult your doctor to find out the causes and appropriate treatment of your conjunctivitis symptoms.
5. Will not appear if you do not rub your eyes with dirty hands
Touching eyes with dirty hands is only one of many causes of conjunctivitis. You can also experience this condition when exposed to contaminated substances such as dirty contact lenses, makeup , pollution, and pet dander. In addition, viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can also be contracted from other people.
6. Can only attack once
In fact, red eye due to conjunctivitis can appear more than once. This condition will easily be repeated if you are exposed to things that trigger it. Therefore, you need to be careful and maintain eye health especially if you have allergies to certain ingredients.
7. Babies cannot get conjunctivitis
Newborns can develop neonatal conjunctivitis. This condition is caused due to blocked tear ducts, irritation, or infection. Usually, these bacteria or viruses are transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.
Generally, this condition occurs when the mother has venereal diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. In addition to the eyes, babies born with conjunctivitis due to venereal disease can experience serious infections in the lungs and spinal cord.
