Waking up with a swollen eye is uncomfortable and can be alarming, especially if you can't fully open it. This may indicate conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye.
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious. While irritants like dirt, allergies, or dry eyes can trigger it, viruses or bacteria are the most frequent causes.
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Start by evaluating your symptoms. Significant pain or vision changes warrant an immediate doctor's visit.
Conjunctivitis inflames the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white of your eye (sclera), which is rich in blood vessels. When irritated, these vessels dilate, causing redness. Common signs include:
A watery, red eye might mimic conjunctivitis but could stem from dry eyes—often from prolonged screen time—or environmental factors like wind. Artificial tears or moisturizing drops can help alleviate these.
Adenovirus, a common cold virus, frequently affects the eyes. Herpes simplex virus can also trigger conjunctivitis.
Bacteria cause most cases, often from touching eyes with unwashed hands. These infections typically resolve without intervention.
Antibiotics aren't routinely prescribed; instead, doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory eye drops. Most bacterial cases clear up in about five days. To accelerate recovery, consult your doctor for drops. If a loved one has conjunctivitis, avoid sharing towels and wash hands thoroughly after contact.
Source: Today.com, oogfonds.nl
