Your eyes

Eye conditions

Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is a swelling i.e. an inflammation or infection 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.

It is a common eye disease, especially in children. It may affect one or both eyes. Some forms of conjunctivitis can be highly contagious and easily spread in schools and at home. While conjunctivitis is usually a minor eye infection, sometimes it can develop into a more serious problem.

What causes conjunctivitis?
Pinkeye has a number of different causes, including:

• Infections caused by viruses or bacteria.

• Allergies.

• Chemicals, fumes, or smoke (chemical conjunctivitis).

How do you get infectious conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, whether bacterial or viral, can be quite contagious. Some of the most common ways to get the contagious form of pink eye include:

• Forgetting to wash your hands often and touching your eyes;

• Reusing tissues and towels when wiping your face and eyes; or

• Not cleaning your contact lenses properly and using poorly fitting contact lenses or decorative contacts.

Children are usually most susceptible to getting pink eye from bacteria or viruses because they are in close contact with so many others in school or day care centers. Pinkeye in newborn babies, however, should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Symptoms of pink eye

• Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid

• Increased amount of tears

• A gritty feeling in one or both eyes

• Pus like discharge from the eyes

• Itching or burning sensation

• Swollen eyelids

• Blurred vision

• Increased sensitivity to light

• Crusting of the eyelashes in the morning.

See your eye doctor if you have any of these symptoms of pinkeye. Your eye doctor will conduct an exam of your eyes.

Treatment
Treatment of conjunctivitis is directed at three main goals:

• To increase patient comfort.

• To reduce or lessen the course of the infection or inflammation.

• To prevent the spread of the infection in contagious forms of conjunctivitis.

The appropriate treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its cause:

• Allergic conjunctivitis – The first step should be to remove or avoid the irritant, if possible. Cold compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, anti allergic medications may be prescribed.

• Infectious conjunctivitis – This type of conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Improvement can occur after three or four days of treatment, but the entire course of antibiotics needs to be used to prevent recurrence.

• Contact Lens Wearers -- Contact lens wearers may need to discontinue wearing their lenses while the conjunctivitis is active.

Self care
Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of conjunctivitis. Once an infection has been diagnosed, follow these steps:

• Don't touch your eyes with your hands.

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.

• Avoid reusing towels, washcloths, handkerchiefs and tissues to wipe your face and eyes.

• Replace your eye cosmetics regularly with new ones, and do not share them with other people.

• Always clean your contact lenses properly. In the case of disposable contacts, follow the instructions on the box and dispose when advised.