How to Recognize and Treat Pink eye (Conjunctivitis)

Step 1

Though pink eye can seem irritating (probably because of the inflammation) it is very rare that someone loses any sight due to the virus! As for why your eyes are pink; small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become more prominent, that's all! The only thing you really have to worry about is keeping everyone else from being infected and getting better as soon as possible.

Step 2

SYMPTOMS

* Redness in one or both eyes
* Itchiness in one or both eyes
* A gritty feeling in one or both eyes
* A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night
* Tearing

The crust may actually get so thick that you can't seem to open your eyes in the morning. Don't worry! Run your fingers over your eyelashes to remove the crust, and you'll be able to open your eyes as easily as you normally do.

You may also feel as if there is something stuck in your eye. That's just a part of the irritation, and rubbing your eyes probably won't help it!

Step 3

So why did you come down with pink eye in the first place? It could be one of a few things:

* Viruses
* Bacteria
* Allergies
* A chemical splash in the eye
* A foreign object in the eye

Viral and bacterial:
Viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious. Bacterial pink eye occurs more in children than it does adults. There are a few differences between the two kinds of pink eye; viral gives off a watery or mucous-y discharge, while bacterial gives off a yellow-y discharge. Both may affect one or both of the eyes and are typically associated with a sore throat or cold.

Allergies:
This form of pink eye is caused by allergens such as pollen, unfortunately. It begins a long process that, in short, produces histamines and causes your red or pink eyes. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may notice "intense itching, tearing and inflammation of the eyes — as well as itching, sneezing and watery nasal discharge. You may also experience swelling of the membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelids and part of your eyeballs, resulting in what may look like clear blisters on the whites of your eyes." Doesn't sound like fun!

Irritation:
Flushing the eye or otherwise removing any possible foreign objects or irritants usually helps to clear this up within a day after removal. Usually the only symptom is pus.

Also, newborns can easy pick up pink eye because of an incompletely opened tear duct in their eye.

Step 4

RISK FACTORS
Who is most at risk?

Typically, it is:

* Those exposed to an allergen for conjunctivitis
* Those exposed to someone else who has pink eye
* Newborns
* Those who wear contacts (especially extended-wear)
* Children

Pink eye can remain contagious for 7 - 14 days after the first syptoms, so it is important to go in to the doctor's office and get medication right away.

Step 5

MEDICAL ADVICE
What can you do?

* Usually pink eye does not ever need emergency treatment, and does not cause any loss of vision. You still want to get in to the doctor's, though, because it can be contagious for up to 14 days!
* Most schools require that children who have contracted pink eye wait at least 24 hours after diagnosis before returning to school. Follow your doctor's orders.

When to start getting worried:
Most of the time, nothing goes wrong. Your doctor may take a sample of some of the secretions (like the pus) coming out of the infected eye(s) and send it to the lab to be evaluated. This can tell him/her just what type of pink eye you have, and help them to better treat you.

Sometimes, the swelling can damage the cornea of the eye, and affect your vision.

Also, infants and young children with recurrant pink eye or tearing may have a blocked tear duct.

This is why it's important to see an ophthalmologist when you get an eye infection.

Step 6

TREATMENTS

There are a few different forms of treatment.

Bacterial:
Bacterial pink eye can simply be treated with prescription antibiotic eyedrops. For younger children who won't be quite so happy about eyedrops, there is an ointment. A common side effect, though, is blurry vision for up to 20 minutes after application.

Viral:
Unfortunately, like the common cold, there's not much you can do here but let the cold fade away. You can take some over-the-counter medicines to relieve symptoms, but that's about all.

To ease irritation from either viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, dampen a washcloth in warm water and let it sit over your (CLOSED!) eyes. Don't rub your eyes!

Allergic:
When triggered by allergies, your doctor will probably prescribe one of the following kinds of eye drops: antihistamines, decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, steroids or anti-inflammatory drops.

To ease the irritation, avoid rubbing the eyes; this only makes it worse! Apply a cold compress, or run to the store for some over-the-counter eyedrops like Naphcon-A or Opcon-A, which contain antihistamines.

Step 7

TREATMENTS

There are a few different forms of treatment.

Bacterial:
Bacterial pink eye can simply be treated with prescription antibiotic eyedrops. For younger children who won't be quite so happy about eyedrops, there is an ointment. A common side effect, though, is blurry vision for up to 20 minutes after application.

Viral:
Unfortunately, like the common cold, there's not much you can do here but let the cold fade away. You can take some over-the-counter medicines to relieve symptoms, but that's about all.

To ease irritation from either viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, dampen a washcloth in warm water and let it sit over your (CLOSED!) eyes. Don't rub your eyes!

Allergic:
When triggered by allergies, your doctor will probably prescribe one of the following kinds of eye drops: antihistamines, decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, steroids or anti-inflammatory drops.

To ease the irritation, avoid rubbing the eyes; this only makes it worse! Apply a cold compress, or run to the store for some over-the-counter eyedrops like Naphcon-A or Opcon-A, which contain antihistamines.

Resources

The Mayo Clinic on Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)