How to Deal with Sore Eyes

Sore eyes, aside from being embarrassing, are also contagious. Here are some tips on how to deal with sore eyes and several methods for treatment.

Nothing can be more scary or embarrassing than a couple of sore eyes. You haven’t gotten anywhere yet but it’s a sure thing that everyone’s going to be avoiding you. A lot of myths have been surrounding sore eyes. The more popular one says that you can get contaminated by looking at another person straight in the eyes. This is never true.

Sore eyes also known as conjunctivitis is an infection commonly caused by the bacteria staphylococcus or streptococcus. You can acquire it if your eyes get in contact with contaminated objects or body parts like your hands. As much as it is troubling, do not fret so much because everything’s temporary. Here’s how to deal with sore eyes.

1. Soothe.

Common symptoms of sore eyes are heat sensation, bulging and irritation in the area. Wash sore eyes with cool water, apply cold compress and keep them closed for fifteen minutes. Do not attempt to rub your eyes as this will only make them redder. It is possible that only one eye is red and infected while the other one remains okay. Avoid spreading contamination by using a clean handkerchief or tissue paper to dab the tears off your affected eye. Never touch the unaffected eye to prevent bacteria from transferring.

2. Sleep.

Sleep will keep your eyes well rested and rejuvenated. Blood circulation also rushes to the area during sleep and eradicate bacteria and other irritants. You may place a cool cloth or cold compress over your eyes as you sleep. Try to keep your hands to yourself even if it itches. Get at least ten hours of uninterrupted sleep a night to hasten recovery.

3. Clean.

Do your best to protect your eyes from exposure. Wear thick dark sunglasses to minimize possible swelling if your eyes strain too much from the glare of the sun. Also stay away from dust-filled areas that may worsen your condition. Never apply soap or other cleansing agents and only use cool running water to cleanse your eyes.

4. Medication.

Eye drops can soothe constricted vessels in your eyes and minimize swelling and redness. Be careful when instilling eye drops and put two drops in each eye. They may sting especially during the first time. Some products can also be poisonous if swallowed so never let it get close to your mouth. Antibacterial ointments are also available to directly eliminate bacterial presence and rid of the irritation for good. Do not let the medication container touch your eyes.

5. Be calm.

When you wake up one morning and see your bulging red eyes, do not panic and quickly cleanse them. To avoid embarrassment while being in public places, wear thick dark glasses to cover them up. If you follow the right treatment regimen, they’ll probably lighten and feel more eased after two days and completely be gone before week’s end.

If the problem does not get better after one week or if it worsens, seek medical attention at once. Never self-medicate and always ask your doctor to recommend the right treatment for your case. Also know the right agencies to contact in case of emergency like anaphylactic reaction or poisoning.

Author: Julieta Chin. All rights reserved.