Pink Eye - Conjunctivitis
The fancy scientific name for pink eye is conjunctivitis, which
literally means "inflammation of the conjunctiva." The
conjunctiva is a clear membrane that covers the white part of
your eye. Pink eye is a common eye condition in children. There
are four main types of conjunctivitis, which can often be
distinguished by the way your eyes will feel if you have pink
eye:
Viral Conjunctivitis: usually only affects one eye and
has little to no discharge, with excessive tearing.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis: usually affects both eyes and
often results in heavy greenish or yellowish discharge.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: affects both eyes and is often
itchy with excessive tearing; the nose and the area around the
eyes can be red as well.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC): usually affects
both eyes, and is often itchy, with heavy discharge, tearing,
and red bumps on the underside of the eyelids; causes contact
lens intolerance.
The type of treatment for pink eye will depend on its cause, so
when you see your doctor, he/she will ask you a few questions
about your pink eye symptoms. A sample of the discharge may also
be taken and sent to a lab for analysis. Most often, however, a
diagnosis can be made simply by the signs and symptoms.
Pink Eye Treatment & Prevention
Above all else, the best way to avoid spreading pink eye is to
avoid the bacteria and viruses that cause it. While you are
recovering from pink eye, you must keep in mind that both viral
conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious
to you (reinfection) and to others. Wash your hands often and
avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. Don't share any towels,
linens, or clothing that might have come into contact with your
eyes. Eye makeup and eye drops should be discarded so that once
you have healed from pink eye, you will not be reinfected. Avoid
swimming in public places, as some bacteria can be transferred
through the water. It is also important to discontinue contact
lens wear while you are healing from pink eye.
Warm compresses (warm towels, for example) may aid in soothing
the symptoms of pink eye caused by a virus or bacteria. Gently
press the warm towel against your eye for about a minute or so.
To avoid allergic conjunctivitis, it is important that you
determine what it is that's causing your allergies. Avoid pollen
and dust, and vacuum frequently to avoid the more common causes
of allergies. Cold compresses may be helpful if you have pink
eye caused by allergies.
In the case of giant papillary conjunctivitis associated with
contact lens wear, you should stop wearing the contacts right
away. It may also be necessary to switch to a new type of
contact lens altogether (for example: soft contact lenses to rigid gas permeable, or vice versa).
This should be discussed with your eye doctor.
Pink Eye Medication
Normally there is no medication prescribed for viral
conjunctivitis, as this type of pink eye generally clears up on
its own within a few days. Antibiotics can be prescribed for
pink eye caused by bacteria and anti-histamines can be
prescribed for allergic conjunctivitis. For giant papillary
conjunctivitis, anti-inflammatory medication may be helpful.
For the most part, pink eye is a minor eye condition that often
resolves on its own. The potential does exist, however, for a
more serious condition to develop. You should see your eye
doctor as soon as you suspect that you or your child may have
pink eye.