Conjunctivitis

DEFINITION

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritants.

SYMPTOMS

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Itchiness in one or both eyes
• Gritty feeling in one or both eyes
• Discharge that may cause crust formation
• Tearing

CAUSES

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Allergies
• Chemical splash
• Foreign object in the eye

RISK FACTORS

• Allergies
• Exposure to infected individuals
• Contact lens use

COMPLICATIONS

Pink eye can lead to corneal inflammation affecting vision. Prompt treatment is essential.

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Be prepared to discuss your symptoms and medical history with your doctor. Stop using contact lenses and practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the infection.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will examine your eyes and may take samples for analysis if needed.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

• Antibiotic eyedrops for bacterial conjunctivitis
• Time for viral conjunctivitis to resolve
• Antihistamine eyedrops for allergic conjunctivitis

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading pink eye. Children with viral conjunctivitis may be contagious for a week or more.

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QUESTIONS

1. What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eyeball.

2. What are the common symptoms of pink eye?

Redness, itchiness, grittiness, discharge, and tearing are common symptoms.

3. How long can pink eye be contagious?

Pink eye can be contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms begin.

4. What are the risk factors for pink eye?

Risk factors include allergies, exposure to infected individuals, and contact lens use.

5. How is bacterial conjunctivitis treated?

Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eyedrops.

6. Is there a specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis?

Most cases of viral conjunctivitis resolve on their own; antiviral medications may be used in specific cases.

7. How can pink eye be prevented from spreading?

Good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing and avoiding touching the eyes can help prevent spread.

8. When should children with pink eye return to school?

Children with viral conjunctivitis should return to school when tearing and matted eyes have resolved.

9. Why are newborns at risk for a severe form of conjunctivitis?

Newborns are at risk due to bacteria present in the birth canal, which can cause ophthalmia neonatorum if left untreated.

10. What is the purpose of applying antibiotic ointment to newborns' eyes shortly after birth?

The ointment helps prevent eye infections in newborns caused by bacteria from the birth canal.