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Fall is a beautiful but busy time for us all. Kids are back at school and as they spend more times indoors in close proximity to each other, infections are more likely to pop up. Pink eye is one of the most common ailments of this time. The medical term for pink eye is: conjunctivitis.
What is pink eye?
The most apparent symptom of pink eye - needless to say - is the pink or red discoloration of the eye(s). It is due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva which is a clear thin membrane that lines the eyes and the inside of the eyelids. Although the most obvious symptom is the reddish pink color, the eyes can also be painful, irritated and itchy and produce discharge.
What causes pink eye?
Pink eye can be caused by different things such as viral infections, bacterial infections and allergies. Sometimes foreign objects such as broken or too old contact lenses or something your child just rubbed in his eye cause pink eye.
Would the symptoms be different depending on the cause?
Viral conjunctivitis usually starts in one eye but can spread to the other eye as well. It is a contagious condition and the eyes are irritated, watery and present discharge.
Bacterial conjunctivitis can also start in one eye and then spread. Eyes are irritated, watery and produce yellow-green discharge. It is also contagious.
Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes. Tears are running from both eyes and the eyes feel itchy and irritated. This form of pink eye is not contagious.
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Foreign object in the eye causes problem only in the affected eye. Scratchy painful feeling tearing are the common symptoms.
Do you have to see a doctor right away?
Sometimes when pink eye is caused by allergies or minor irritation the symptoms may improve without any intervention or with the help of over-the-counter eye drops.
Always go and see a physician if:
There is a yellow discharge in the eye and it does not improve in one day
The skin around the eyes or the eyelid is red and swollen
The patient feels pain or the presence of a foreign object in the eye
The pink eye is getting worse or does not improve in three days
The size of the pupils is different
If you think the pink eye is caused by infection
How can you prevent your child and family from getting or spreading pink eye?
Teach your child to wash hands frequently and to avoid touching or rubbing the eyes.
Don't share washcloths towels or pillowcases with someone who has pink eye, also wash these items frequently.
Don't share makeup with someone with pink eye.
To avoid allergic conjunctivitis: keep windows and doors closed on days when pollen count is high in the air.
To avoid getting a foreign object in the eye tell your child not to rub his eyes and if he/she wears contact lenses, make sure those are
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properly cleaned and not worn longer than the recommended time.
What kinds of treatments are available for pink eye?
The treatment of pink eye depends on what causes it. If the pink eye is caused by allergies or minor irritation certain over-the-counter eye drops or allergy medications can be helpful. Sometimes a warm compress can help to remove crust and to relieve discomfort. If an irritant or foreign object is causing the pink eye flushing the eye with an eye-wash can help. Ask your pharmacist to help you choose the correct product.
If the pink eye is caused by infection or by allergies that don't clear up by using over-the-counter medications you need to see a doctor. There are many different medications that your doctor can prescribe. Some of them are antibiotic eye drops or ointments some are eye drops for allergies.
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