Pink eye 101
In this article, HEI will be giving a pink eye 101 where you will get an overview of what is, how it’s caused, how to treat it and how to avoid it. Pink Eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is where the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye, becomes infected. So how does the term “pink eye” come into play? It’s when the blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed and causes the white part of the eye to appear a pink or reddish color. Conjunctivitis is very common among young children. Forms of conjunctivitis are highly contagious and can easily spread in the classroom or at home.
What causes pink eye?
It is commonly caused by a bacterial infection, viral infection or an allergic reaction.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic Conjunctivitis is more common among individuals who suffer from seasonal allergies. One may also have an allergic reaction to pollen, smoke, chlorine in swimming pools or contact lenses, which causes allergic conjunctivitis.
At Hollywood Eye Institute, Dr. Greenbaum now offers eye allergy testing to determine and uncover ocular surface diseases. Contact our office to learn more.
Infectious Conjunctivitis
Infectious Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection caused by poor hygiene, physical contact with other people, using contaminated eye makeup and facial lotions. Avoid sharing makeup and contact lenses to lessen your chances of being affected by bacterial conjunctivitis.
Contagious viruses can cause viral conjunctivitis. One may be affected by viral conjunctivitis through exposure from someone coughing or sneezing with an upper respiratory tract infection.
Either type of conjunctivitis can affect either one or both eyes. Usually, pink eye is a minor eye infection; however, it can develop into a more serious problem.
What are the common symptoms of pink eye?
Pink eye is very discomforting but rarely affects your vision. It is critical to gain early treatment to help limit the spread. Individuals who are infected by pink eye, may experience symptoms such as:
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Burning sensation
- A gritty feeling
- Tearing
- A discharge that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning
Pink eye can be very discomforting; to soothe the discomfort, make a compress by soaking a clean cloth in warm water, wring the water thoroughly and apply the warm compress to the affected eye. Avoid rubbing your eyes to decrease the amount of discomfort caused.
How to avoid pink eye
Self- care is the best to avoiding pink eye. Practicing good hygiene will help limit the spread. If you have been diagnosed with pink eye, be sure to contain the spread by:
- Washing your hands consistently
- Not touching your eyes with your hands
- Not sharing personal eye-care products such as eye makeup or contact lenses
- Properly caring for your contact lenses
If you think you have pink eye (conjunctivitis), contact Dr. Greenbaum for a diagnosis and prescription for the proper treatment, if necessary.
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Sources: Mayo Clinic & AOA