Pink Eye
Pink eye is nothing to laugh about. Have you ever noticed someone walking around with a strangely pink or red looking eye? "Pink Eye" is a common term actually, used to describe... a pink eye. While it may seem funny, pink eye is actually a very contagious condition in many cases that requires prompt treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Pink Eye
Pink eye is caused by inflammation of the eye and surrounding membranes. Otherwise known as "conjunctivitis" the most common signs is clearly an eye that looks pink and inflamed. Red color is also common in patients with conjunctivitis, as is itching and sometimes burning of the eye.
There are many types of pink eye. A few common examples include:
- Viral - This type of conjunctivitis often affects only one eye or the other. It may result in excessive tearing of the eye or watering in the eye. Some patients ay also experience a light discharge.
- Bacterial - This form of conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes. It may result in a heavy discharge from one or both eyes that may be green.
- Allergic - This is not contagious, but just as troublesome as other forms of pink eye. It often causes more itching of the eyes and redness. Sometimes allergic conjunctivitis also comes with a runny nose or tearing in one or both eyes.
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis - This condition usually causes problems in both eyes. It commonly results from contact lens use. Usually itching and heavy discharge result. Tearing and bumps may also form on the eyelids.
Common Causes for Pink Eye
As noted above there are many different causes of pink eye including allergies, viruses or bacteria.
In certain cases a foreign object in the eye like contact lenses can result in conjunctivitis, specifically giant papillary conjunctivitis. If you contract a bacterial or systemic infection in your body you may also develop pink eye as a side effect.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pink Eye
Your health care provider can help you diagnose pink eye. The most common diagnosis is simply by observing the eye, though your doctor may also run a culture to test for bacterial infection.
The best treatment for pink eye is avoiding it! Pink Eye is highly contagious if caused by viral or bacterial infections. You can usually avoid catching pink eye however by washing your hands frequently. Other tips for avoiding contamination include:
- Never share eye drops or other eye products like mascara or eye shadow with others.
- Avoid sharing other items you use on your eyes like a washcloth.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses if you develop irritation from them at least for a short time.
- Don't touch an eye that is inflamed, watery or teary. This may seem impossible if you are also experiencing itching. Try some soothing eye drops instead and a warm compress.
There are many different treatments available depending on the type of pink eye you contract. In cases of allergic conjunctivitis your doctor may recommend an air filter and some antihistamine medication. Chances are if you develop GPC you will have to stop wearing contact lenses temporarily.
In cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, your doctor may recommend an antibiotic eye drop solution to help kill off the bacteria causing the infection. This combined with warm compresses may help alleviate most of the symptoms of pink eye.
Usually pink eye is nothing serious to worry about. It can however, develop into a more serious condition if you don't treat it properly. Be sure you visit your healthcare professional at the earliest signs to help identify the type of pink eye you have and so you can start appropriate treatment.
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