PINK EYE (CONJUNCTIVITIS)
photo courtesy of the MayoClinic
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is one of the most common and treatable conditions in children and adults. It also spreads easily.
Definition: It is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball (conjunctiva). The inflammation makes the blood vessels more visible and gives the eye a pink or reddish color.
- virus
- bacteria
- irritant (such as smog or swimming pool chlorine)
- allergens (such as pet dander, dust mites)
- viral and bacterial are the most common in children
Symptoms:
- redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelids
- increased amount of tears
- white ( usually viral), or yellow or green (commonly bacterial) eye discharge
- itchy, irritated, and/or burning eyes
- increased sensitivity to light
- gritty feeling in the eye
- crusting of the eyelids or lashes
Common sense and home remedies:
Most cases of the pink eye are mild and get better on their own within 7 to 10 days, even without treatment. There is no medical treatment for viral conjunctivitis. Home remedies include applying a compress to the eyelid. You can make a compress by soaking a clean, lint-free cloth in water and wring it out. The water may be cool or warm, whatever your preference is. If the condition is only in one eye, avoid touching the other eye with the cloth
You also want to stop wearing contacts. Ask your doctor if you should dispose of disposable contacts, cleaning solution, and lens case. If your contacts are not disposable, clean them thoroughly before using them again.
Over the counter artificial tears may relieve some of the symptoms but avoid the solutions for "red eye", such as Visine, Clear Eyes.
When to seek medical attention:
- moderate to severe pain in your eye(s)
- sensitivity to light or blurred vision
- intense redness in the eye(s)
- a weakened immune system, for example HIV or cancer treatment
- symptoms that worsen or do not improve, including bacterial pink eye that does not improve after using antibiotic treatment for 24 hours
- pre-existing eye conditions that may put you at risk for complications or severe infection
- wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
- wash any discharge from around the eyes several times a day. Hands should be washed first and then a clean washcloth or fresh cotton ball or tissue can be used to cleanse the eye area. Throw away cotton balls or tissues after use; if a washcloth is used, it should be washed with hot water and detergent. Wash your hands with soap and warm water when done.
- wash hands after applying eye drops or ointment
- do not use the same eye drop dispenser/bottle for infected and non-infected eyes-even for the same person
- wash pillowcases, sheets, washcloths, and towels in hot water and detergent; hands should be washed after handling such items.
- avoid sharing articles like towels, blankets, and pillowcases.
- clean eyeglasses, being careful not to contaminate items (like towels) that might be shared by other people
- do not share eye makeup, face make-up brushes, contact lenses and containers, or eyeglasses
- do not use swimming pools
As always, when in doubt, consult your physician. This is not an exclusive list of the many causes of conjunctivitis, just the most common for children.
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