Contact lens wearers shouldn't wear them until a doctor gives the all-clear. Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the cause. It ranges from antibiotic eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis to antihistamine and mast cell stabilizers if an allergic response is the culprit.

2. Dry Eyes – When Even Blinking Hurts
This uncomfortable condition happens when the body stops producing enough tears to keep the eyes naturally lubricated or the tears are of poor quality. The tear film is made up of three layers: oil, water and mucus. Blinking spreads tears across the surface of the eye. If any one layer of this optical triumvirate is faulty, it can cause dry eye. Dry eyes can develop when tears evaporate too quickly, tear production decreases or due to environmental causes. For example, a dry climate can increase tear evaporation.

Burning, stinging and scratchy sensations are common and may be especially pronounced when staring at a computer screen or trying to sleep. Eye redness, sensitivity to light and the sensation of having something stuck in the eye are other common symptoms. Sufferers may have a tough time driving at night and experience stinging and heavy, spontaneous watering. This is a reaction to the irritation dry eyes cause. Eye fatigue and blurred vision also may occur.

What causes dry eyes? Some possibilities are:
• Autoimmune disease: Autoimmune conditions like Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma can cause dry eyes.
• Aging
• Being female •
Medication: Thyroid drugs, antidepressants, hormone replacement therapy, drugs for high blood pressure and decongestants can all make the eyes dry.
• Duct trouble: Damage to tear glands can affect tear production.
• Environmental causes: There really is something in the air -- the wind. Smoke and a dry climate all have the potential to trigger/aggravate dry eyes, as does air conditioning.
• Nutritional deficiencies: A diet low in vitamin A -- found in common foods like broccoli and carrots -- or a skimpy amount of fatty acids, which are found in fish, walnuts and vegetable oils, also contributes to dry eyes.

Dry eyes can progress from a simply uncomfortable condition to something more serious like abraded corneas, which can affect vision and cause ulcers and eye infections, so don't let the problem linger.