The eyes are very sensitive organs and can easily become
irritated. The eye is well protected from damage by the
surrounding bone and by the speed with which the eyelashes and
eyelids close. However, when danger threatens irritants and
foreign bodies can still infiltrate the eye and cause a range of
problems. Most people will experience some eye trouble at one
time or another. Fortunately many of these can be easily
treated. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that covers
the white of the eye and the inner surfaces of the eyelids. When
this membrane becomes inﬂamed, it is called conjunctivitis. The
affected eye appears red or pink (bloodshot) and may feel
gritty. It may run with water and a discharge. The discharge
tends to accumulate on the lashes and in the corner of the eye
causing them to stick together. If you have conjunctivitis, you
may ﬁnd it hard to open your eyes in the mornings.
Conjunctivitis tends to be either allergic or infectious in
nature. Infected conjunctivitis tends to start in one