Conjunctivitis ( pinkeye ) : Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. Pinkeye has a number of different causes, including:
• Viruses
• Bacteria (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia)
• Irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, and pool chlorine
• Allergies, like dust, pollen, or a special type of allergy that affects some contact lens wearers
Pinkeye caused by some bacteria and viruses can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly. Pinkeye in newborn babies, however, should be reported to a doctor immediately, as it could be a vision-threatening infection.
Symptoms
• Blurred vision
• Crusts that form on the eyelid overnight
• Eye pain
• Gritty feeling in the eyes
• Increased tearing
• Itching of the eye
• Redness in the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
Treatment
• Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause.
• Allergic conjunctivitis may respond to allergy treatment. It may disappear on its own when you avoid your allergy triggers. Cool compresses may help soothe allergic conjunctivitis.
• Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis will disappear on its own. Many doctors give a mild antibiotic eyedrops for pink eye to prevent bacterial conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis ( pinkeye ) : Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. Pinkeye has a number of different causes, including:
• Viruses
• Bacteria (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia)
• Irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, and pool chlorine
• Allergies, like dust, pollen, or a special type of allergy that affects some contact lens wearers
Pinkeye caused by some bacteria and viruses can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly. Pinkeye in newborn babies, however, should be reported to a doctor immediately, as it could be a vision-threatening infection.
Symptoms
• Blurred vision
• Crusts that form on the eyelid overnight
• Eye pain
• Gritty feeling in the eyes
• Increased tearing
• Itching of the eye
• Redness in the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
Treatment
• Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause.
• Allergic conjunctivitis may respond to allergy treatment. It may disappear on its own when you avoid your allergy triggers. Cool compresses may help soothe allergic conjunctivitis.
• Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis will disappear on its own. Many doctors give a mild antibiotic eyedrops for pink eye to prevent bacterial conjunctivitis.