Pink Eye

 

Did you know that "pink eye" is another term for conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the transparent covering (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. When the blood vessels of the conjunctiva become inflamed, that is what causes your eyes to appear pink. Common culprits include viral or bacterial infection and allergic responses. Early diagnosis and treatment of pink eye is necessary to prevent spreading.

Symptoms
While "pink eye" is the common symptom, there are other associated symptoms

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Itchiness in one or both eyes
• A gritty feeling in one or both eyes
• A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning
• Tearing

Types

Bacterial

• Sticky yellow/green discharge
• Eyelids may be stuck together when waking up in the morning
• May affect one or both eyes
• Spreads through direct contact

Viral

• Most common form
• Red, watery, itchy eye
• May affect one or both eyes
• Highly contagious
• Spread through direct contact and respiratory droplets

Allergic

• Similar appearance to viral conjunctivitis
• May be accompanied by nasal congestion, eyelid swelling and sneezing
• Tends to affect both eyes
• Not contagious

 

Treatments

• Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eyedrops and/or ointment. Frequent washing of hands to prevent spread. DO NOT share personal items such as towels. 
• Viral conjunctivitis DOES NOT require antibiotics. Like a cold, a viral conjunctivitis needs to run its course before getting better. Lubricating eye drops may be given to keep eyes moist. Frequently washing of hands to prevent spread.
• Allergic conjunctivitis DOES NOT require antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe allergy medicine. Avoid allergy triggers such as cat dander.
• Cold compress to the affected eye may provide some relief. If only one eye is affected, DO NOT use the same compress for the opposite eye to prevent spread.

Preventing Pink Eye

Practice good hygiene to control the spread of pink eye. For instance:

• Don't touch your eyes with your hands.
• Wash your hands often.
• Use a clean towel and washcloth daily.
• Don't share towels or washcloths.
• Change your pillowcases often.
• Throw away your eye cosmetics, such as mascara.
• Don't share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.

For more information please click on these links Mayo Clinic, CDC, Kids Health.