Conjunctivitis(Pink Eye)
by
Michelle Badash, MS DefinitionConjunctivitis is swelling and irritation in the eye. It affects the tissue that covers the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelid. This tissue is called the conjunctiva.
Causes TOPThere are many causes of conjunctivitis including:
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious. Risk Factors TOPThis condition is more common in children. Factors that may increase your risk of conjunctivitis include:
Symptoms TOPSymptoms include:
Conjunctivitis will usually clear up within 2-14 days. If conjunctivitis is caused by a seasonal allergy, it may continue throughout the season. If it is caused by a non-seasonal allergy, it may continue to occur year round. Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Your eyes will be examined. If there is discharge from your eye, it may be tested. The discharge will help find the cause of the conjunctivitis. Treatment TOPAvoid wearing contact lenses until the conjunctivitis has cleared. Treatment will depend on the cause of the conjunctivitis: Bacterial InfectionAntibiotic eye drops and/or ointment may be prescribed. These drops will help shorten the course of the infection. It will also decrease the amount of time it is contagious. Wipe away any discharge with a clean cotton ball before using the drops. Viral InfectionThere is no medication to cure a viral infection. To help relieve discomfort consider:
Allergic or Chemical Irritation TOPAvoid the cause of the irritation. Apply cool compresses to the affected area. Eye drops may be prescribed to help relieve allergic conjunctivitis. To Prevent Further Spread of Infection TOPIf you have a bacterial or viral infection, follow these steps to prevent the spread of infection:
Prevention TOPTo decrease your chance of conjunctivitis:
Your doctor may recommend other prevention methods, depending on the cause. RESOURCES:American Optometric Association http://www.aoa.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Ophthalmological Society http://www.cos-sco.ca The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca References:
Infectious conjunctivitis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated July 15, 2016. Accessed September 1, 2017.
Pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated November 21, 2015. Accessed September 1, 2017. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
James Cornell, MD Last Updated: 9/15/2014 | |
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