What is conjunctivitis?Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye infections in children and adults. Often called “pink eye”, it is the swelling of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids. This tissue helps keep the eyelids and eyeballs moist.
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). Pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses and STDs can spread easily from person to person, but it is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly.
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?
* Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid,
* Greater amount of tears,
* Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelids, especially after sleep (in conjunctivitis caused by bacteria),
* Other discharge from the eye (green or white),
* Itchy eyes (especially in conjunctivitis caused by allergens),
* Burning sensation (especially in conjunctivitis caused by chemicals and irritants),
* Blurred vision, and
* Increased sensitivity to light.
What can be done to help relieve the symptoms of conductivities?
* Protect the eye from dirt and other irritating substances.
* Remove contact lenses, if one is wearing them.
* Place cold compresses on the eye.
* Wash face and eyelids with mild soap or baby shampoo and rinse with water to remove irritating substances.
* Non-prescription “artificial tears”, a type of eye drops, may help relieve itching and burning sensations from irritating substances (caution: other types of eye drops may irritate the eye and should not be used).
How can one prevent the spread of the infection?
* Do not touch or rub the infected eye.
* Wash hands often with soap and warm water.
* Wipe any discharge from the eye using a fresh cotton ball or paper towel twice a day. Afterwards, discard the cotton ball and wash hands with soap and warm water.
* Wash bed linens, pillowcases and towels in hot water and detergent.
* Avoid wearing eye makeup.
* Do not share eye makeup with anyone.
* Never wear other people’s contact lenses.
* Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Throw away disposable lenses or be sure to clean extended-wear lenses and eyewear cases.
* Avoid sharing common articles such as towels, cups and glasses.
* Wash hands before and after applying the eye drops or ointment to the infected eye.
* Do not use eye drops in a non-infected eye that were used from an infected one.
If your child has bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, keep him/her home from school or day care until he/she is no longer contagious.
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