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Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis , commonly known as pink eye , is an infection of the conjunctiva (the outer-most layer of the eye that covers the sclera ). With the exception of the allergic type, conjunctivitis is typically contagious. When you wake up in the morning, your eyes may seem to be pasted shut from the discharge coming from your eyes.These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy- provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents, as well as to underlying diseases within the body. Warm compresses along with an antibiotic ointment or drops prescribed by your doctor can help. When treated right, bacterial conjunctivitis will clear up in two to three days but continue to use the medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The allergic type occurs more frequently among those with allergic conditions. When related to allergies, the symptoms are often seasonal. Viral and bacterial forms of conjunctivitis are common in childhood but can occur in people of any age. Pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses or STDs can spread easily from person to person but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly; allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. But because pink eye can be contagious, it should be diagnosed and treated early. This is especially important for preschool-age children, who commonly develop both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies such as hay fever, and irritants in the environment. With antibiotic treatment, it typically goes away without complications.

Pink eye or conjunctivitis refers to a redness or irritation of the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes (conjuctiva) covering the whites of the eyes.The conjunctiva is the thin, clear membrane over the white part of the eye; it also lines the eyelids.The three most common types of conjunctivitis are: viral , allergic , and bacterial. Each requires different treatments. It is a fairly common condition and usually causes no danger to the eye or your child's vision.Inflammation causes small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more prominent, resulting in a pink or red cast to the whites of your eyes. Pink eye and red eye are terms commonly used to refer to all types of conjunctivitis. Viruses, bacteria, irritating substances (shampoo, dirt, smoke, pool chlorine), transmitted diseases (STDs) or allergens (substances that cause allergies) can all cause conjunctivitis. Pinkeye can also be caused by allergy or by chemical irritants in your child's environment.Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. The severity of the infection depends on the type of bacteria involved.

Causes of pink eye

The common causes of pink eye :

• when the eyes are red with yellow or green drainage oozing or crusting in the eye throughout the day and night, then bacteria are usually the culprit.
• A piece of sand or dirt stuck under the eyelid can cause redness, tearing, pain and drainage. Usually affects one eye..
• Most ophthalmologists (medical doctors who specialize in eye care and surgery) would probably consider the term pinkeye to refer to viral conjunctivitis.
• When the conjunctiva is exposed to the irritant, a chain of events leads to the swelling, itching, and redness often associated with this form of conjunctivitis.
• Other causes of conjunctivitis include bacteria, allergic reaction, and chemical irritation.
• A foreign object in the eye
• Newborns can get pink eye from medication put in the eye after birth to prevent infection. They can also get it from germs in the birth canal during delivery.

Symptoms of pink eye

Some common Symptoms of pink eye :

• The usual sign of pink eye is redness around the white of the eye.
• Infection may begin in one eye but will probably spread to the other.
• The discharge can cause the eyelids to stick together.
• Swollen lymph nodes (often a viral infection)
• Painful eye in bright light (called photophobia)
• Family member with the same symptoms (an infection is being passed from one person to another)
• Itching
• Redness
• Tearing
• Usually effects both eyes

Treatment of pink eye

• Carefully wash your hands every time you touch around your eye.
• Wash or change your pillowcase every day until the infection goes away.
• Do not wear your contact lenses until the infection is gone.
• Do not put a patch over your eye. It may cause the infection to become worse.
• Your eyecare practitioner may recommend that you discontinue contact lens wear during this time or replace your contact lenses after you're healed.
• Clothes, towels, pillow cases and anything else which may have come in contact with an infected person should be washed.
• Allergens and other irritants such as smoke, which may cause allergic and mechanical conjunctivitis, should be avoided. 
• Antibiotic ointments or a warm wash cloth can be used to dissolve the discharge
• There are several prescription and over-the-counter antihistamine drops that can help alleviate eye allergies.
• A warm compress may be helpful to relieve discomfort and removing "crust".
  

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