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Conjunctivitis(Pink Eye)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionConjunctivitis is inflammation of the tissue that covers the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. It is called the conjunctiva.
CausesThere are many causes, such as:
Risk FactorsThe bacterial form is more common in children. Things that may raise the risk are:
SymptomsSymptoms are:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. An eye exam will be done. Eye discharge may be checked for signs of infection. TreatmentTreatment will depend on the cause. MedicineMost forms of conjunctivitis clear up with time. Some people may be given antibiotic eye drops or ointment to treat the bacterial form. Antibiotics cannot treat the viral form. Artificial tears may be used. Some may have antihistamines in them to further ease symptoms. These are found at many stores. Home CareThese methods may help ease problems:
PreventionTo lower the chance of this problem:
RESOURCES:American Optometric Association http://www.aoa.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://www.familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Ophthalmological Society http://www.cos-sco.ca College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca References:
Allergic conjunctivitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/allergic-conjunctivitis. Updated November 16, 2018. Accessed November 21, 2019.
Azari AA, Barney NP. Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment. JAMA. 2013 Oct 23;310(16):1721-1729.
Infectious conjunctivitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/infectious-conjunctivitis. Updated February 7, 2019. Accessed November 21, 2019.
Pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated November 21, 2015. Accessed November 21, 2019. Last reviewed September 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
James P. Cornell, MD Last Updated: 8/18/2020 | |