Yup, that gritty feeling in your eyes is conjunctivitis. It can sometimes be quite contagious, but don’t worry, it’s not usually very serious. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, or other irritating substances.
These then cause the thin membrane that line the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid to become inflamed. Eyes can become swollen and itchy, and you may get pus, too. Ew. Conjunctivitis can last for a few days to a few weeks but it should clear up on its own.
In the meantime, you can clean the outside of your eyelids with moistened cotton balls. Just make sure you always wipe in the same direction. Ooh. Washing the eyes with a salt solution or using lubricating eyedrops may help relieve symptoms. If it still doesn’t clear up, a medicated ointment may be the answer.
And remember, wash your hands, towels, and face cloths regularly. Avoiding touching your eyes can all help reduce the chances of getting conjunctivitis again.
