Conjunctivitis
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Conjunctivitis also known as “pink eye” is an inflammation of the the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva). Depending on the type of pink eye, it is usually easily spread from person to person. For this reason, children with conjunctivitis should be kept away from school for a few days to prevent spreading the infection to others. It is one of the most common and treatable eye infections in children and adults.
Here are some tips for dealing with conjunctivitis:
- If you’re around someone with conjunctivitis avoid touching any items they have handled. Don’t share towels, pillowcases, soap, and makeup with that person.
- Throw out any eye makeup or cosmetics and start with a new supply.
- Make sure that your kids know how to blow their noses carefully and to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Your child should not touch the infected eye and then touch the other eye without washing his or her hands.
- Wash your own hands thoroughly after touching your child's eyes.
Causes
Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, irritating substances (shampoos, dirt, smoke and especially pool chlorine), allergens (substances that cause allergies) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Symptoms
- 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 (with conjunctivitis caused by bacteria)
- Other discharge from your eye (green or white)
- Itchy eyes (especially with conjunctivitis caused by allergies)
- Burning eyes (especially with conjunctivitis caused by chemicals and irritants)
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
Treatment
Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the specific cause:
Bacteria: Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics which can be given as eye drops, ointments or pills. A prescription for antibiotics must be taken in its entirety even if symptoms go away.
Virus: Antibiotics are not effective against conjunctivitis that is caused by a virus. It must be allowed to run its course, which normally takes up to a week. You may be able to ease symptoms by applying a cold compress to closed eyes.
Irritating substance: To treat this type of conjunctivitis, use warm water to wash the irritating substance from the eye for five minutes. You should also avoid further exposure to irritating substances. Your eyes should begin to improve within four hours after washing away the substance, otherwise call your doctor.
Allergies: Allergy-associated conjunctivitis may disappear completely when the allergy is either treated with antihistamines or the allergen is removed. Relieve symptoms temporarily by applying a cold compress to closed eyes.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum and STDs: The same bacteria that causes the sexually transmitted diseases, chlamydia and gonorrhea, can also infect the conjunctiva. This is most commonly spread during birth as the infant passes through the birth canal of an infected mother. Newborns are usually given eye drops immediately after birth to treat any possible infection.
Conjunctivitis can also be spread through hand contact when rubbing the eyes or touching contact lenses after touching infected genitals. This is usually treated with antibiotics. Washing hands thoroughly can help prevent the spread of this type of conjunctivitis.
Adapted from www.healthyontario.com/Conditions
Updated August 2, 2007
Variants
- pink eye