Conjunctivitis (চোখ ওঠা): Causes, Symptoms & Care

It usually starts with one eye feeling gritty, as if a grain of sand is stuck under the lid. By morning the eye is pink, watery, and the lashes may be glued together. Within a day or two, the other eye joins in. In Bangladesh we call it চোখ ওঠা — doctors call it conjunctivitis, or pink eye. It looks alarming and spreads quickly, but the good news is that most cases are mild and clear up on their own with simple care.

What is conjunctivitis (চোখ ওঠা)?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear layer that covers the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. When it gets irritated or infected, its tiny blood vessels swell, which is what gives the eye that tell-tale pink or red look. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it is one of the most common and most treatable eye conditions in the world.

Common symptoms

• Redness or pinkness in one or both eyes
• Itching, burning, or a gritty feeling
• Watery or sticky discharge — clear, white, or yellow-green
• Crusted lashes in the morning
• Mild sensitivity to light

বাংলায়: চোখ লাল হওয়া, চুলকানি, পানি পড়া আর সকালে চোখের পাতা আঠা আঠা হয়ে লেগে থাকা — এগুলোই চোখ ওঠার সাধারণ লক্ষণ। সাধারণত এক চোখে শুরু হয়ে পরে অন্য চোখেও ছড়ায়।

The three main types

Knowing the type helps you understand what to expect — though only a doctor can confirm it.

How it spreads — and how to stop it

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis spread easily, especially in families, schools, and offices. The infection travels on hands, towels, and pillowcases. A few simple habits make a big difference:

• Wash your hands often and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
• Don’t share towels, pillows, eye drops, or eye makeup.
• Use a clean tissue to wipe discharge, then throw it away immediately.
• Change your pillowcase and towel daily while infected.
• Stay home from school or work for a few days if the infection is active.

Home care and relief

Most mild cases settle by themselves. To stay comfortable while it clears: gently wipe away crust with a clean, damp cloth; use a cool compress for itching or a warm one for sticky lids; and rest your eyes from screens. Lubricating (artificial tear) drops can soothe dryness. Avoid self-prescribing antibiotic drops — they don’t help viral or allergic cases, and the wrong drop can make things worse.

When to see a doctor

Please don’t wait it out if you notice any of these — they can signal something more serious than ordinary chokh otha:

• Eye pain or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light that doesn’t ease
• Intense redness, or symptoms that last more than a week
• Conjunctivitis in a newborn baby — this needs urgent care

A note for contact lens & glasses wearers

If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them at the first sign of an eye infection and switch to glasses until your eyes are fully better — lenses trap germs against the eye and slow healing. Throw away any lenses, solution, or eye makeup used just before the infection started. Once you have recovered, give your eyes a rest with a comfortable pair of glasses; Nine Optic’s free home try-on lets you find one without leaving home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does চোখ ওঠা last?

Viral conjunctivitis usually clears within one to two weeks, while bacterial cases often improve within a few days, especially with a doctor’s drops. Allergic conjunctivitis eases once you avoid the trigger.

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Viral and bacterial types are very contagious and spread through hands, towels, and shared items. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

Can I go to work or school with pink eye?

It’s best to stay home for a few days while the infection is active, particularly with viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, to avoid passing it on.

Should I use antibiotic eye drops for chokh otha?

Not without a doctor’s advice. Antibiotics only help bacterial cases and do nothing for viral or allergic conjunctivitis. See a doctor if you are unsure.