We can try really hard to maintain a high standard for hygiene. But, when exposed to viruses and bacteria, only few will remain resistant. This is especially the case with students. They spend so much time closed in the classroom with others, avoiding all those germs is basically impossible.

So, even if you’re the most careful and clean person, you can still get pink eyes. This is one common eye infection among students of all ages, also known as conjunctivitis.

Causes of Pink Eye

Pink eye or Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent, thin layer of the eye tissue. This tissue covers your eye or, more specifically, its white part. The white part of the eye is called the conjunctiva. Ergo, the term for pink eye. 

This infection can affect one eye or both of them. For a student, it can be the worst nightmare, especially if it occurs during exam sessions or when they have to write a paper. In fact, it is said that pink eye is one of the reasons why students go online and find dissertation writing help. It prevents them from doing just about anything, especially since most of the written work done today includes the use of a desktop.

Depending on the reason why you got pink eye in the first place, the infection can spread really fast and be highly contagious. It is usually in mild form. However, if left untreated, it can become much more severe. 

Typically, conjunctivitis is bacterial or viral. Both these are contagious, but the viral option spreads much faster between people. In the case with students that are in constant contact with each other, this can make a serious damage to the effectiveness and health of the entire classroom.

Bacterial vs. Viral Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis occurs as a result of a strep or staph infection in the eye of the patient. This infection often originates in the respiratory system and is further spread through contact with other people. Only touching another person exposes you to the infection. Also, you may get the infection by sharing some cosmetic products that are contaminated, as well as utensils, glasses, and other objects. 

Not washing the hands frequently, improperly cleaning the contact case or lenses, and other irresponsible behavioral patterns can also be the cause of bacterial conjunctivitis. 

Viral conjunctivitis is the more dangerous and easily spread of the two. It can be caused by viruses or even the common cold. These spread fast and readily, which makes the infection even more likely to reach people through coughing, sneezing, or simply direct contact. 

In the case of viral conjunctivitis, washing the hands is once again, the best measure you can take. You can also get infected by it if your eyes are exposed to allergens and chemicals. However, in this case, the infection won’t be contagious.

Pink Eye Symptoms

As you probably assume by hearing the name, the main symptom of these infections are pink eyes. But, in addition to this easily visible symptom, there are other things that accompany the infection:

• Itching and burning in the affected eye/eyes
• A feeling as if you have a foreign body in the eye/eyes
• Discharge or pus coming from the eye/eyes
• Eyelid swelling
• Light sensitivity increase
• Excessive tearing

How Can You Treat this Problem

Pink eye is not a grave medical issue unless you avoid treating it. However, having this infection is a really big inconvenience, especially if you have to meet a deadline, read or study. Because of it, you should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor immediately when you experience any of the symptoms above. 

If the optometrist diagnoses you with conjunctivitis, you can start treatment right away. The goals of the simple treatment are to decrease your discomfort and eliminate the spread of the infection. You’ll be prescribed eye drops or ointment that contain antibiotic. Finishing the course of antibiotics is essential and will rapidly bring you back in shape. 

However, this only applies to the bacterial conjunctivitis. In the case of viral conjunctivitis, you’re in for a bit more trouble. The only thing that resolves this is time and strict hygiene. In fact, being diagnosed with viral conjunctivitis means that you might need several weeks to get rid of the infection. 

This sounds devastating, especially if it happens to you during study sessions and exam sessions. In fact, it’s bad whenever it happens since students always have some tasks to do. 

To relieve the discomfort of the viral pink eye infection, you can use cool and warm compresses for your eye area, as well as artificial tears. In the cases where the infection is more severe, doctors can recommend using steroidal eye drops for the inflammation.

If you wear lenses, don’t use them until you’re fully treated.

Tips for Preventing Conjunctivitis

It’s always best to prevent an infection than to treat it. In the case of pink eye, it might take you a while to get rid of it, which is why I recommend following the steps below on regular basis:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and as often as possible
• Don’t share eye drops, makeup, and anything else that’s applied near eyes
• Don’t touch the eyes with the hands
• Don’t share washcloths or pillowcases, or use them to wipe your eyes
• Don’t share your contact lens case, contact lenses, or even the solutions with others
• Protect the eyes with sunglasses in dusty conditions and windy conditions
• If your eyes are exposed to chemicals, wear safety goggles.