Pink Eye - Conjunctivitis
"Pink Eye" also known as conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye infections in children and adults. This condition causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear outer wrapper of the eyeball and inside layer of the eyelids. This tissue helps keep the eyelid and eyeball moist.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, irritating substances (shampoos, dirt, smoke, and especially pool chlorine), allergens (substances that cause allergies) or even sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is easily treated with prescription eye drops. It has an undeservedly bad reputation as being contagious. It is easily spread but only by direct contact. It is not air-born. In fact the usual mode of transmission is your own hands putting the germs or contaminants in your eyes.
Classic symptoms include "redness" of the white part of the eye, increased tearing and possibly thick mucus discharge that will form dry crusts over the lashes and edges of the eyelids. Burning, itching, blurred vision, and even light sensitivity can also be a problem.
The exact type of eye drop will depend on whether it is caused by an irritant, allergy, or an infection caused viral or bacterial culprit. Your health care provider will help you make the best choice for prescription drops and occasionally an oral medication as well.
Removing your contact lenses, avoid eye cosmetics, washing face and eyelids with gentle soap, even cool compresses may help alleviate some of the symptoms.
Prevention is all about preventing the direct contact which is needed for transmission. Hand washing is most important especially after touching your eyes. Never share eye cosmetics or contact lenses with anyone. Care with pillow cases, towels, that have been contaminated and not shared only need to be washed appropriately in hot water and detergent per usual. Since hygiene is so difficult with young children, keeping them home from day care or school for the first 1-2 days of treatment may be necessary to avoid spreading to other children. Overall "pink eye" is usually a nuisance problem that is of little health risk and easily managed.
Physician with over thirty years experience in both family practice and emergency medicine in both rural and urban settings. Dr Kaler is also author of the medical mystery thriller Turnabout by Bruce Kaler. Visit my website at http://seattledoc.com.