Pink Eye – Conjunctivitis

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

What is Pink Eye?  It is more appropriately called Conjunctivitis.  There are many sources but the most common source is viral.  Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear membrane over the white of the eye and lining of the lids. Causes consist of viral, bacterial, allergy and contact with toxic substances.  Common symptoms are redness, irritation, dryness, pain and discharge or tearing.  Conjunctivitis associated with a thick discharge is most likely bacterial.  Conjunctivitis associated with a watery discharge or tearing is more likely than not viral or allergic.  Allergy almost never effects just one eye and tends to be seasonal or chronic.  The symptoms associated with allergies are commonly redness, itching and a watery or stringy discharge.  This is treated  with antihistamines both orally and in drop form. If it is a recurring problem or chronic it is important to isolate the allergen in order to remove it from your environment or treat is more appropriately with injections if necessary.  Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form and often times preceded by an upper respiratory infection.  It is contagious and can last weeks.  It is associated with redness, swelling, crusting of the lashes and a watery discharge.  It is important to help prevent spread by washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizers.  Do not share towels or bed linen.  Remember everything you touch can then be infected.  There is no wonder drug to make this condition go away.  Common treatments consist of cool compresses and artificial tears for comfort.  Most primary care providers will treat most red eye conditions as either bacterial or allergy.  When neither treatment resolves the problem then you are most likely looking at a viral condition which will have to run it’s course.  The most dangerous form of conjunctivitis is bacterial and the least common fortunately.  It is associated with redness, swelling, crusting and a thick discharge.  There are antibiotic drops for treatment of this condition and close follow up is required to make sure it doesn’t get out of control.  the same precautions apply since this condition is contagious as well.  Wash your hand and use hand sanitizer frequently.  Again, don’t share towels or bed linens.  Keep your hands to yourself.  If pain increases or vision decreases that’s a very bad sign which needs prompt attention by an Ophthalmologist which is a medical doctor trained to deal with medical conditions of the eye.  If you have small children who attend school and bring a red eye condition home it is most likely viral in origin.  Consult with an Ophthalmologist as soon as possible if there is increased pain, thick discharge or decreased vision as this could be a more serious bacterial infection.  Other causes for red eyes consist of iritis, episcleritis and narrow angle glaucoma.  Pain and blurred vision should prompt you to seek the advise and treatment from an ophthalmologist.

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