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“Pink Eye” (Conjunctivitis)
Often referred to casually as “pink eye”, conjunctivitis is the swelling or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Causes may or may not be infectious.
Symptoms vary based on which of the 3 types of conjunctivitis is present:
Allergic symptoms include clear, watery discharge along with mild redness. Itching, sometimes severe, may or may not occur.
With bacterial infections, there is typically minimal pain but a possibly dramatic appearance with moderate redness and almost always a yellow/green discharge, sometimes extreme. This discharge can also make the eyelids red and swollen and can attach itself to the eyelashes for a crusty appearance.
Bacterial infections can be more severe in patients that wear contact lenses. There is also a risk of a bacterial corneal ulcer developing in contact lens wearers which would include severe pain and light sensitivity.
Viral infections can also cause moderate redness and are usually painful. The pain is typically a sandy, gritty feel like something may be in the eye. There can also be a moderate to severe light sensitivity.
Conjunctivitis can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on the conjunctiva and surrounding tissues, may include:
Patient history determines the symptoms, when the symptoms began, and whether any general health or environmental conditions are contributing to the problem.
Visual acuity measurements determine whether vision has been affected.
Evaluation of the conjunctiva and external eye tissue includes using bright light and magnification.
Evaluation of the inner structures of the eye ensures that no other tissues are affected by the condition.
Supplemental testing may include taking cultures or smears of conjunctival tissue. This is particularly important in cases of chronic conjunctivitis or when the condition is not responding to treatment.
Using the information obtained from these tests, Dr. Craig can determine if you have conjunctivitis and provide treatment options.
Treating conjunctivitis has three main goals:
The appropriate treatment for conjunctivitis on which of the 3 types of conjunctivitis is present:
The first step is to remove or avoid the irritant, if possible. Cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. People with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid eye drops. Oral antihistamines may also be prescribed.
This type of conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis may improve after three or four days of treatment, but patients need to take the entire course of antibiotics to prevent a recurrence.
No drops or ointments can treat viral conjunctivitis. Antibiotics will not cure a viral infection. Like a common cold, the virus has to run its course, which may take up to two or three weeks. Symptoms can often be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tear solutions. For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. However, these drops will not shorten the infection.
The viral infection Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is very contagious. This is the red-eye most associated with the term “pink eye.”
Careful flushing of the eyes with saline is a standard treatment for chemical conjunctivitis. People with chemical conjunctivitis also may need to use topical steroids. Severe chemical injuries, particularly alkali burns, are medical emergencies and can lead to scarring, damage to the eye or the sight, or even loss of the eye. If a chemical spills in your eye, flush the eye for several minutes with a lot of water before seeing your medical provider.
Contact lens wearers may need to temporarily stop wearing their lenses while the condition is active. If conjunctivitis is due to wearing contact lenses, Dr. Craig may recommend switching to a different type of contact lens or disinfection solution. Dr. Craig might need to change the contact lens prescription to a lens that is replaced more frequently. This can help prevent conjunctivitis from recurring.
If you think you have conjunctivitis, do not attempt to cure the condition yourself. See Dr. Craig. He can diagnose the cause and prescribe the proper treatment. The following tips are intended to help those who have already been diagnosed with infectious bacterial or viral conjunctivitis to soothe the discomfort and avoid spreading infectious pink eye to others.
Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of infectious conjunctivitis. Once an infection has been diagnosed, follow these steps:
1. Don’t touch your eyes with your hands.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
3. Change your towel and washcloth daily, and don’t share them with others.
4. Discard eye cosmetics, particularly mascara.
5. Don’t use anyone else’s eye cosmetics or personal eye-care items.
6. Follow Dr. Craig’s instructions on proper contact lens care.
7. Soothe the discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis by applying warm compresses to your affected eye or eyes.
To make a compress for viral or bacterial conjunctivitis , soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids.
For allergic conjunctivitis, avoid rubbing the eyes. Instead of warm compresses, use cool compresses to soothe your eyes. Over-the-counter eye drops might also help. Antihistamine eye drops can alleviate the symptoms, and lubricating eye drops can rinse the allergen off the surface of the eye.
There are three main types of conjunctivitis: allergic, infectious and chemical. The cause of conjunctivitis varies depending on the type.
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs more commonly among people who already have seasonal allergies. They develop it when they come into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction in their eyes.
Giant papillary conjunctivitis is a type of allergic conjunctivitis caused by the chronic presence of a foreign body in the eye. People who wear hard or rigid contact lenses, wear soft contact lenses that are not replaced frequently, have an exposed suture on the surface of the eye or have a prosthetic eye are more likely to develop this form of conjunctivitis.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection most often caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria from your own skin or respiratory system. Insects, physical contact with other people, poor hygiene (touching the eye with unclean hands), or using contaminated eye makeup and facial lotions can also cause the infection. Sharing makeup and wearing contact lenses that are not your own or are improperly cleaned can also cause bacterial conjunctivitis.
Ophthalmia neonatorum is a severe form of bacterial conjunctivitis that occurs in newborn babies. This is a serious condition that could lead to permanent eye damage if it is not treated immediately. Ophthalmia neonatorum occurs when an infant is exposed to chlamydia or gonorrhea while passing through the birth canal. For several years, U.S. delivery rooms have applied antibiotic ointment to babies’ eyes as a standard prophylactic treatment.
Viral conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by contagious viruses associated with the common cold. It can develop through exposure to the coughing or sneezing of someone with an upper respiratory tract infection. Viral conjunctivitis can also occur as the virus spreads along the body’s own mucous membranes, which connect the lungs, throat, nose, tear ducts and conjunctiva. Since the tears drain into the nasal passageway, forceful nose blowing can cause a virus to move from your respiratory system to your eyes.
Chemical Conjunctivitis can be caused by irritants like air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to noxious chemicals.
With so many causes, there is no one preventive measure. Early diagnosis and treatment will help prevent the condition from becoming worse. Avoiding allergy triggers as much as possible also helps. Frequent hand washing and keeping hands away from eyes also can make a difference, even when no problems are present.
Do you suspect you or a family member have pink eye? Find out with an eye exam by Dr. Craig and staff at Family Eye Care Center in Elkins. We can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and help you get the relief you need to get back to work, school, and life! Schedule a comprehensive eye exam for professional diagnostic testing, pink eye treatment and symptom management for all ages (birth onward). To learn more and request an appointment, call: (304) 636-9111.
Much of the educational information provided on this page has been adapted with permission from copyrighted resources provided courtesy of American Optometric Association (AOA) for use by its members. AOA is the leading authority on quality eye health and vision care, representing doctors of optometry and optometric professionals throughout the United States.
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