Spotlight on Conjunctivitis, AKA Pink Eye
By Des Taylor
When the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball becomes inflamed or infected it is commonly referred to as pink eye (conjunctivitis). As a result of the inflammation small blood vessels in the conjunctive become inflamed resulting in a pink or red cast in the whites of the eyes.
Symptoms
Pink eye can make you feel like there is something in one or both eyes and when you wake up in the morning your eyes may be hard to open because of discharge that formed overnight.
Other symptoms include:
· One or both eyes itch
· There is redness in one or both eyes
· It feels like sand is in your eye
· Excessive tearing or weeping from your eye
· A discharge from your eye as you sleep
Causes
There are several different categories of conjunctivitis. They include viral, bacterial, allergic and conjunctivitis caused by an irritant. Both viral and bacterial are very contagious and easily passed from one person to another through physical contact. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children than adults. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by indoor and outdoor allergens and irritant induced conjunctivitis can be caused by a foreign object or chemicals in the eye.
Treatment
Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with eye drops or eye ointment prescribed by your doctor. You must use the prescription for the prescribed length of time which is usually several days. There is no treatment for viral conjunctivitis. It usually runs its course in a few days. In the case of viral conjunctivitis caused by the herpes simplex virus, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication.
If you are suffering from allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe eye drops, steroids, antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications. In addition, some allergies are controlled with over-the-counter medicines. If you are treating the symptoms yourself and your condition worsens, speak to a health professional.
Healthy eyes are important to your overall well-being. Conjunctivitis left untreated can lead to inflammation of the cornea, which can affect your vision. The key is early intervention when symptoms begin to show. Children with bacterial conjunctivitis are normally asked to stay home from school for a few days. Call your child's school to see what their policy states.
You can avoid contracting pink eye by washing your hands frequently, limiting contact with infected persons and avoiding allergy triggers. If you suspect that you or a family member has conjunctivitis it is best to be evaluated by your family doctor to receive the appropriate treatment and limit its spread.
Symptoms
Pink eye can make you feel like there is something in one or both eyes and when you wake up in the morning your eyes may be hard to open because of discharge that formed overnight.
Other symptoms include:
· One or both eyes itch
· There is redness in one or both eyes
· It feels like sand is in your eye
· Excessive tearing or weeping from your eye
· A discharge from your eye as you sleep
Causes
There are several different categories of conjunctivitis. They include viral, bacterial, allergic and conjunctivitis caused by an irritant. Both viral and bacterial are very contagious and easily passed from one person to another through physical contact. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children than adults. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by indoor and outdoor allergens and irritant induced conjunctivitis can be caused by a foreign object or chemicals in the eye.
Treatment
Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with eye drops or eye ointment prescribed by your doctor. You must use the prescription for the prescribed length of time which is usually several days. There is no treatment for viral conjunctivitis. It usually runs its course in a few days. In the case of viral conjunctivitis caused by the herpes simplex virus, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication.
If you are suffering from allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe eye drops, steroids, antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications. In addition, some allergies are controlled with over-the-counter medicines. If you are treating the symptoms yourself and your condition worsens, speak to a health professional.
Healthy eyes are important to your overall well-being. Conjunctivitis left untreated can lead to inflammation of the cornea, which can affect your vision. The key is early intervention when symptoms begin to show. Children with bacterial conjunctivitis are normally asked to stay home from school for a few days. Call your child's school to see what their policy states.
You can avoid contracting pink eye by washing your hands frequently, limiting contact with infected persons and avoiding allergy triggers. If you suspect that you or a family member has conjunctivitis it is best to be evaluated by your family doctor to receive the appropriate treatment and limit its spread.
Des Taylor is Senior Vice President of Merchandising of Eyeglass World, a nationwide eyeglasses superstore. With over 60 superstores across the country, Eyeglass World is one of the industry's leading eyewear chains. Each Eyeglass World location has a lab in-store which allows them to fill prescription eyeglasses in the same day in most cases. Learn more about prescription glasses at http://www.eyeglassworld.com/eyeglasses/
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