Pink eye

What is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and part of your eyeball. The cause of pink eye is commonly a bacterial or viral infection or even an allergic reaction

The most common signs and symptoms of pink eye include:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Itchiness in one or both eyes
• Blurred vision and sensitivity to light
• A gritty feeling in one or both eyes
• A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night
• Tearing

Pink eye may make you feel as if you've got something in one or both of your eyes that you just can't remove. When you wake up in the morning, your eyes may seem to be pasted shut from the discharge coming from your eyes. The whites of your eyes may begin to have a pink discoloration, and you may not see as clearly as you did before.

When to seek medical advice?
Pink eye can be an irritating condition, but it's usually harmless to your sight and typically doesn't require extensive or emergency treatment. Yet because pink eye can be highly contagious for as long as two weeks after signs and symptoms begin, it's important to seek diagnosis and treatment early.

Keep children with bacterial conjunctivitis away from child care facilities or school until after they start treatment. Children with viral conjunctivitis are usually contagious for a few days. Most schools and child care facilities require that your child wait at least 24 hours after starting treatment before returning to school or child care but if you have any doubt, then ask your doctor.

Occasionally, conjunctivitis causes corneal complications — in both adults and children — making early treatment even more important.

Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops if the infection is bacterial, and the infection should clear within several days of starting treatment. Antibiotic eye ointment, in place of eyedrops, is sometimes prescribed for treating bacterial pink eye in children. An ointment is often easier to administer to an infant or young child than are eyedrops. With either form of medicine, you should notice a marked improvement in signs and symptoms within one to two days. Be sure to use the medication as prescribed in order to prevent recurrence of the infection.

Viral conjunctivitis can't be treated with antibiotic eyedrops or ointment. Like a common cold, you can use an over-the-counter remedy to relieve some symptoms, but the virus just has to run its course. You may notice a worsening of symptoms in the first three to five days. After that, your signs and symptoms should gradually clear on their own. It may take up to two to three weeks from the time you were infected for the virus to go away.

If the irritation is allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe one of many different types of eyedrops. These may include antihistamines, decongestants, steroids and anti-inflammatory drops.

Occasionally conjunctivitis may be associated with a more genaralised viral infection - presenting with sore throat and fever as well as conjunctivitis. In these cases you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.

By Dr WB Mc Naull MB ChB (Sheffield) MPhiL (Cambridge) DTM&H FRSTM (London)
Sources : Family Medical Practices