Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane covering the surface of the inner eyelid and the front of the eye. The conjunctiva has many small blood vessels. It lubricates and protects the eye while the eye moves in its socket. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, this is called conjunctivitis.

Viral conjunctivitis, often called pink eye, typically causes swelling of the eyelid and a watery discharge. Sometimes it causes itching and/or matting of the eyelids. Viral conjunctivitis is very contagious and can be easily transmitted by rubbing the eye and then infecting household items such as towels or handkerchiefs. It is common for entire families to become infected. It may be accompanied with sore throat and flu-like symptoms.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is associated with a purrulent yellowish discharge and often accompanied with matting of the eyelids.  More severe types of bacterial conjunctivitis may contain a greenish discharge or copious yellowish discharge.  These more serious types need to be diagnosed early and treated aggressively as some may do damage to underlying structures such as the cornea.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis:

• Red, watery eyes
• Inflamed eyelids
• Blurred vision and a sandy or scratchy feeling in the eyes
• Pus-like or watery discharge around the eyelids
• Matting of the eyelids

How can conjunctivitis be prevented?

Certain precautions can to taken to avoid the disease and stop its spread. Careful washing of the hands, the use of clean handkerchiefs and avoiding contagious individuals are all helpful. Children frequently get conjunctivitis because of their poor hygiene.

If you or someone in your household has contracted conjunctivitis, follow these steps to prevent the spread of the infection:

• Every time you touch your eyes or face, including when using medicine in your eye(s), wash your hands thoroughly.
• Wash any clothing touched by infected eyes including clothes, towels and pillowcases.
• Do not share make-up. If the infection is caused by bacteria or a virus, you must throw away your used make-up and buy new make-up.
• Do not touch the infected eye because the infection will spread to the other eye.
• Avoid all close contact with other people.

Diagnosing conjunctivitis:

Your eye doctor can easily detect conjunctivitis at an exam.

Treatment for conjunctivitis:

Antibiotic drops and compresses are indicated in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.  Whereas, viral conjunctivitis fails to respond to antibiotics, as with the common cold. Sometimes the inflammation does not respond well to the initial treatment with eye drops. If the inflammation has not responded to antibiotic eyedrops within three days, a repeat visit to the eye doctor may be indicated. When there is severe infection, oral antibiotics are necessary. If left untreated, some forms of conjunctivitis can create serious complications such as infections in the cornea, eyelids and tear ducts.