7 Myths about pink eye due to conjunctivitis that need to be cleared up

There are many myths when someone has red eye problems. Pink eye is actually a medical condition called conjunctivitis. Reporting from the National Eye Institute, this condition occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed. To clear the various myths related to pink eye due to conjunctivitis, consider the following review.

Myths surrounding conjunctivitis

Here are some myths about conjunctivitis or pink eye that needs to be straightened out:

1. Conjunctivitis is definitely contagious

Many people believe that anyone who develops red eyes due to conjunctivitis is contagious. In fact, this is just a myth. The reason is, not everyone who has conjunctivitis can pass the disease on to other people.

If the redness of the eye is caused by a virus or bacteria, it 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 develop conjunctivitis

If you hear that conjunctivitis only affects children, that's misinformation. Pink 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 this habit.

3. Pink eye is always conjunctivitis

There are many conditions that make a person's eyes turn red. Ranging from allergies to dry eye syndrome. In fact, there are three serious conditions that cause redness in the eye, namely glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve), scleritis (inflammation of the white membrane around the eye), and uveitis (inflammation and swelling of the middle layer of the eyeball).

4. There is no cure for conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis treatment depends on the cause. Conjunctivitis caused by viruses can indeed heal on its own, aided by cold compresses and artificial eye drops to soothe the eyes.

It is different if it is caused by bacteria, the right treatment is with antibiotic eye drops. In addition, allergy medications can also help relieve conjunctivitis if it is caused by an allergen. For that, if your complaints don't get better, consult your doctor to find out the cause and the right treatment for your conjunctivitis symptoms.

5. Will not appear if you do not rub your eyes with dirty hands

Touching your eyes with dirty hands is only one of the 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 caught from other people.

6. Can only attack once

In fact, conjunctivitis-induced pink eye can appear more than once. This condition will easily repeat itself if you are exposed to the things that trigger it. Therefore, you need to be careful and maintain eye health, especially if you have allergies to certain ingredients.

7. Infants 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 passed from mother to baby during childbirth.

Generally, this condition occurs when the mother has a venereal disease such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Apart from the eyes, babies born with conjunctivitis due to this venereal disease can have serious infections in the lungs and spinal cord.