Conjunctivitis Support at Gilbride Pharmacy, Glasgow
Conjunctivitis, a common eye condition, involves inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin tissue covering the front of your eye. If you're experiencing itchy, watery eyes, or notice a sticky or crusty discharge around your eyelashes, you might have conjunctivitis. While it often starts in one eye, it can quickly spread to both.
Understanding the Causes
Conjunctivitis can stem from different sources:
- Infective Conjunctivitis: Caused by a bacterial or viral infection inflaming the conjunctiva.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.
- Irritant Conjunctivitis: Results from contact with irritants such as loose eyelashes, soaps, shampoos, or chlorinated water.
Recognising the Symptoms
Symptoms vary by cause but commonly include:
- Redness of the eye(s): Due to inflamed blood vessels.
- Mucus discharge: Often sticky or crusty, especially noticeable in the morning.
For infective conjunctivitis, you might also experience burning or a gritty feeling in the eye(s). Allergic conjunctivitis is typically characterised by significant itchiness and watery eyes.
When to seek professional advice: If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, or if you experience eye pain, sensitivity to light, vision changes, or intense redness, please consult a medical professional promptly. These could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Treatment and Prevention at Gilbride Pharmacy
Most cases of infective conjunctivitis resolve naturally within two weeks. However, we can help manage symptoms and provide treatment options.
Self-Care Tips:
- Hand Hygiene: Regularly wash your hands thoroughly to prevent spreading the infection.
- Avoid Contact Lenses: Do not wear contact lenses until the infection has completely cleared.
- Gentle Cleaning: Gently clean sticky discharge from eyelids and eyelashes with cotton wool soaked in water.
- Lubricating Eye Drops: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help relieve soreness and irritation.
- Avoid Rubbing: Resist the urge to rub itchy eyes.
Pharmacy First Treatment Options (Free): At Gilbride Pharmacy, our pharmacists can assess your symptoms for free treatment options available through the Pharmacy First service:
- Chloramphenicol Eye Drops/Ointment: For bacterial conjunctivitis, we can supply Chloramphenicol, an antibiotic eye treatment, where appropriate.
- Sodium Cromoglycate Eye Drops: For allergic conjunctivitis, we can provide Sodium Cromoglycate eye drops, which help to reduce allergic reactions in the eyes.
Our pharmacists will conduct a consultation to determine the most suitable treatment for your specific type of conjunctivitis.
Preventing Conjunctivitis
To help reduce your risk of contracting conjunctivitis:
- Hand Washing: Wash your hands thoroughly, especially if you've been near someone with an eye infection.
- Hygiene in Public Places: Use antibacterial sprays and cleansers in public areas, particularly in shared environments.
- Clean Linens: Keep bedding and towels clean, especially if someone in your household has an eye infection.
- Contact Lens Care: If you wear contact lenses, maintain excellent hygiene: wash hands before handling lenses, solutions, and cases, and avoid sleeping in lenses.
- Boost Immunity: Prioritise sleep and a balanced diet to support a strong immune system.
Visit Gilbride Pharmacy for Support
For expert advice and support in managing conjunctivitis, please visit your preferred Gilbride Pharmacy branch in Glasgow. You can enquire about our services or simply walk in when it suits your schedule. We are committed to protecting your health and well-being.