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Pink Eye / Conjunctivitis
Pink Eye / Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is the medical term for an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. It is the most common cause of a red eye. The conjunctiva (the white of the eye) is a thin layer of mucous membrane that contains many fine blood vessels. When irritated, these vessels expand, causing the eye to turn red.
The most common cause of conjunctivitis is a virus or bacteria. An allergy, dry eyes, or environmental irritants can also cause red, irritated eyes.
What are the symptoms?
What are the symptoms?
The affected eye is red and produces a discharge. Though the eye may feel itchy, irritated, or uncomfortable, the eye is usually not painful.
A bacterial conjunctivitis gives a yellow-green discharge (pus).
Most viral infections of the conjunctiva cause mucus and watery discharge. This form of conjunctivitis often follows a cold, and can sometimes persist for a long time. Artificial tears can sometimes provide relief.
Allergic conjunctivitis often causes itching and watery discharge and varying degrees of moderate to severe redness.
With dry eyes, a slight redness of the eyes may occur. The eyes often feel burning, sometimes even painful and can give a feeling as if something is in the eye. Increased sensitivity to bright light and blurred vision are common in the more severe forms of dry eyes. Sometimes dry eyes actually tear a lot - that seems contradictory, but it is true.
Irritants mainly give a strong, watery discharge, possibly followed by a red eye.
How is pink eye diagnosed?
How is pink eye diagnosed?
Through examination, the ophthalmologist or general practitioner can distinguish between the different types of conjunctivitis. Sometimes it may be necessary to make a "culture" of the discharge from the eye. For this purpose, a cotton swab is gently stroked along the eye mucosa. In this way it can be determined which bacteria or virus must be treated.
How to prevent spreading?
How to prevent spreading?
The bacterial and viral forms of conjunctivitis are contagious. It is therefore recommended to wash hands thoroughly and regularly. Do not share towels with family members and be sure to wash hand and bath towels and pillow cases frequently.
How to treat a pink eye?
How to treat a pink eye?
In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, an antibiotic can be given in the form of eye drops, ointment or gel.
Antibiotics have no effect in viral conjunctivitis; however, these can prevent the inflammation from progressing to bacterial conjunctivitis. Sometimes it is necessary to treat with anti-inflammatory medications.
Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with eye drops that act specifically against an allergy in the eye.
Dry eyes can be treated with artificial tears. There are many types of drops, ointments and gels on the market that help relieve the symptoms of dry eyes.
If there is a lot of discharge around the eye, it is recommended to gently wash the eyelids and surrounding skin several times a day with clean hands and fingers with warm water at the sink. Do not use a washcloth or the same towel repeatedly as this may prolong or spread the infection.
@ISA - Health Policy
@ISA - Health Policy
Students with red eyes with dark or "crusty" discharge that indicate a bacterial or viral conjunctivitis need to stay at home until a treatment has started.
As conjunctivitis is very contagious, it is important to ensure good hand hygiene.
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