Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid.
Pinkeye has a number of different causes, including:
* Viruses
* Bacteria such as gonorrhea or chlamydia
* Irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, and pool chlorine
* Allergies, like dust, pollen, or a special type of allergy that affects some contact lens wearers
Pinkeye caused by some bacteria and viruses can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly. Pinkeye in newborn babies, however, should be reported to a doctor immediately.
The symptoms of pinkeye differ based on the cause of the inflammation, but may include:
* Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
* Increased amount of tears
* Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep
* Green or white discharge from the eye
* Itchy eyes
* Burning eyes
* Blurred vision
* Increased sensitivity to light
Your eye doctor will conduct an exam of your eyes and may use a cotton swab to take a sample of fluid from the eyelid to be analyzed in a lab. Bacteria or viruses that may have caused conjunctivitis, including those that can cause a sexually transmitted disease or STD, can then be identified and proper treatment prescribed.
Pinkeye caused by bacteria, including those related to STDs, is treated with antibiotics, in the form of eye drops, ointments, or pills. Eye drops or ointments may need to be applied to the inside of the eyelid three to four times a day for five to seven days. Pills may need to be taken for several days. The infection should improve within a week. Take or use the medicines as instructed by your doctor, even if the symptoms go away.
Viruses: This type of pinkeye often results from the viruses that cause a common cold. Just as a cold must run its course, so must this form of pinkeye, which usually lasts from four to seven days. Viral conjunctivitis can be highly contagious. Avoid contact with others and wash your hands frequently.
Irritants: For pinkeye caused by an irritating substance, use water to wash the substance from the eye for five minutes. Your eyes should begin to improve within four hours. If the conjunctivitis is caused by acid or alkaline material such as bleach, immediately rinse the eyes with lots of water and call your doctor immediately.
Protect your eyes from dirt and other irritating substances.
Avoid the use of makeup.
Remove contact lenses, if you wear them.
If you or your child has pinkeye:
Don't touch or rub the infected eye(s).
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
Wash any discharge from your eyes several times a day using a fresh cotton ball or paper towel. Afterwards, discard the cotton ball or paper towel and wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Don't share eye makeup with anyone.
Never wear another person's contact lenses.
Wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses. Throw away disposable lenses or be sure to clean extended wear lenses and all eyewear cases.
Avoid sharing common articles such as unwashed towels and glasses.
Wash your hands after applying the eye drops or ointment to your eye or your child's eye.
Do not use eye drops that were used for an infected eye in a non-infected eye.
If your child has bacterial or viral pinkeye, keep your child home from school or day care until he or she is no longer contagious. It's usually safe to return to school when symptoms have been resolved, however, it's important to continue practicing good hygiene just to be sure.
Usually, pinkeye is a self-limited disease, either clearing up on its own or after a course of antibiotics. However, certain forms of conjunctivitis can become serious and sight-threatening. They include conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, or certain strains of the adeno virus.
Viral pinkeye is highly contagious. However, maintaining proper hygiene such as frequent hand washing should minimize transmission. Avoid touching your face since the virus can enter the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Author Resource:
Vasanthi is an eminent article writer for Doctor Support web portal. You can find more of her health articles at http://drsupport.in/blog/
Doctor Support also offers hospital job consultancy at http://drsupport.in/jobs/jobposting.aspx
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