Conjunctivitis ("Pink Eye")

Conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," is a common condition that often affects school-age children though it also affects adults. It occurs when the conjunctiva (the clear membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the outer edge of the cornea) becomes inflamed from an infection, allergy or irritant.

Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by a virus or bacteria from contaminated fingers, towels, washcloths or any other material that touches the eye. Because children interact with each other so much, it is not uncommon for several playmates or schoolmates to come down with infectious conjunctivitis at about the same time.

Infectious conjunctivitis causes the white part of the eye (the sclera) to become red and to feel sandy or gritty. If the cause of the infection is bacterial, a yellow pus-like discharge will appear and form a crusty ridge around the eyelid. If it is viral, the discharge is usually be clear and watery.

If you suspect your child has infectious conjunctivitis, see your eye care physician immediately. Treatment for bacterial infection involves the washing away of the discharge as well as the use of antibiotics. It usually takes one to two weeks for this condition to clear. In addition, you may want to be sure your child does not spread infectious conjunctivitis by insisting that he or she washes his or her hands and does not share washcloths.

Viral conjunctivitis frequently resolves on its own.

Allergic conjunctivitis affects persons with hayfever or allergies to certain substances or cosmetics. Long-term allergies tend to make the eye red and irritated. With allergic conjunctivitis, there is a watery discharge that accompanies this bothersome condition. During hayfever season, some individuals may experience a short-term white puffiness that affects the conjunctiva. This may last for a few hours, and then clear.

The best way to treat allergic conjunctivitis is to locate the cause of the allergy and avoid it. It may also be necessary to take regularly antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms.

Foreign bodies and chemicals may cause another form of conjunctivitis. This condition is nearly always preventable if you remember to wear certified eye protection whenever you are working near hazardous substances or even performing chores like mowing the lawn or sawing word. Click here for tips on how to prevent this and other eye injuries.

Most cases of conjunctivitis are not serious. However there is one exception. "Ophthalmia neonatorum" is a type of conjunctivitis that affects newborn babies. This sometimes occurs from contact with the lining of the birth canal. This condition is extremely serious and could result in blindness if not treated immediately.