Eye Congestion: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Eye congestion or pink eye or conjunctivitis is a symptom that occurs due to inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the thin and transparent membrane which covers the white part of the eye and the inner part of the eyelids. This inflammation is the result of some bacterial or viral infection or as a reaction to irritants and allergens entering the eye. Some of the symptoms of this infection may include redness and grittiness of the eye and discharge from the eye.

Conjunctivitis can be infectious, non-infectious and neo-natal conjunctivitis. Infectious conjunctivitis is more common in children than in adults because they are more susceptible to the viruses and the bacteria. Ear infections and sinusitis may be accompanied by conjunctivitis as the causal organisms are the same. If a child gets affected by infection during birth, he/she might suffer from neonatal conjunctivitis. Allergens, chemical or environmental factors may be responsible for a person suffering from non-infectious conjunctivitis.

If a person experiences pain inside his/her eye or perceives changes in vision or if the eyes get hurt when exposed to light, he/she should definitely go to the doctor. Babies should be immediately be taken to a doctor for proper diagnosis as bacterial conjunctivitis can prove to be serious for the baby. A person wearing contact lenses should definitely stop wearing those if he/she has been affected by conjunctivitis.

Infectious or viral conjunctivitis usually recede within a few days and does not need to be treated with any medication. However, cold compresses and eye-drop lubricants can be used to take care of the symptoms. This type of eye congestion happens to be extremely contagious for a period of two weeks when the symptoms appear. So it is of paramount importance that a person takes sufficient precaution so as not to get anyone else infected.

Allergic or non-infectious conjunctivitis are mostly the result of allergic reactions to seasonal pollens, animal dander and dust. This type of eye congestion can be treated by the application of cold and moist washcloth to the affected eye and by using lubricating eye drops. A person can also use decongestant eye drops and topical anti-histamines to deal with the symptoms. A doctor may prescribe topical steroids if the condition is severe. Women should also avoid wearing make-up if they are suffering from this condition.

Washing the eyes properly and thoroughly will help to treat conjunctivitis caused due to chemical or environmental irritants. Industrial pollutants, household cleaners, sprays, foreign objects, smoke and smog are main causes of chemical and environmental forms of conjunctivitis. People should take precautions so that their eyes are not affected by these if they are suffering from this condition.

A person is eligible for treatment for eye congestion or conjunctivitis if he/she has been diagnosed to be suffering from such by a registered medical practitioner and if the person suffers from the corresponding symptoms. The symptoms of infectious conjunctivitis are as follows: intense red eyes, swollen eyelids, eyes sensitive to bright light and excessive watery discharge (colorless). A patient may also suffer from viral cold-like symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose.

A person can understand that he/she is suffering from bacterial conjunctivitis if he/she suffers from symptoms like thick purulent discharge from the eyes and eyelids are stuck together in the morning accompanied by eye swelling. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are intense itching and tearing and other allergic symptoms like sneezing, itchy nose and scratchy throat.

A person who is not suffering from the symptoms associated with conjunctivitis is not eligible to undergo the treatment. There can be a number of other eye problems that may show some of the symptoms associated with eye congestion. Therefore, a doctor’s advice is pertinent before opting for any particular treatment. Conjunctivitis is often confused with blepharitis and, hence, proper diagnosis is required.

some of the side effects of using antibiotic eye drops to treat bacterial conjunctivitis are rashes, itching, swelling, dizziness and breathing problems. Antihistamine eye drops may cause headaches, burning and irritation sensation in the eye, a running nose, bad taste in mouth and sometimes severe sensitivity to light. Ibuprofen, used to treat allergic conjunctivitis, has side effects like upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, gas, headache, nervousness, rashes and ringing in the ears.

There are no post-treatment guidelines as such. However, taking some precautions may help you to avoid this condition again. Some them are: thorough and regular washing of hands, avoiding eye to eye contact, never sharing towels and washcloths, changing pillowcases and never sharing eye cosmetics and personal eye care items.

Pink eye or bacterial conjunctivitis can last for a month or more even if a person is undertaking treatment for the same. Other types of conjunctivitis do not last this long. The viral conjunctivitis normally lasts for about 1-2 weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated within 3-4 days with proper medication.

A strip of ibuprofen tablet can cost as low as Rs 9 in our country. Antibiotic eye-drops can be obtained for anywhere between Rs 50 and Rs 500. Antihistamine eye-drops can also be purchased at affordable rates and their price varies between Rs 40 and Rs 500.

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is arguably the most common eye disease for which people seek treatment. It is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections and the infection is extremely contagious. Thus, there is no guarantee that a person who has been treated for conjunctivitis will not get affected by the same condition again. Therefore, there is no permanent treatment and a person might acquire it again if he/she comes in contact with the virus or the bacteria causing the infection.

There are no such alternative treatments for eye congestion or conjunctivitis.