CONJUNCTIVITIS (Pink Eye) |
|
General Information
DEFINITION--An inflammation of the eyelid's underside and white part of the eye. It is contagious and easily transmitted, particularly to athletes on the same team who have close daily contact or in crowded or unsanitary athletic facilities.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSThe following symptoms may affect one or both eyes:
Clear, green or yellow discharge from the eye.
After sleeping, crusts on lashes that cause eyelids to stick together.
Eye pain.
Swollen eyelids.
Sensitivity to bright light.
Redness and gritty feeling in the eye.
Intense itching (allergic conjunctivitis only).
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Viral infection. Conjunctivitis may accompany colds or diseases such as measles.
Bacterial infection.
Chemical irritation or wind, dust, smoke and other types of air pollution.
Allergies caused by cosmetics, pollen or other allergens.
A partially closed tear duct.
Intense light, such as from sunlamps, snow or water reflection, or electric arcs in welding.
HOW TO PREVENT
Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water to avoid spreading germs to the eye area.
Don't use anyone else's towel.
Avoid exposure to eye irritants.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory culture of the eye discharge.
SURGERYNot necessary nor appropriate for this illness.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS
Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis is curable in 1 to 2 weeks with treatment.
Allergic conjunctivitis can be cured if the allergen is removed. It is likely to recur.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSIf untreated, pink eye may spread and damage the cornea permanently, impairing vision.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTDoctor's examination and medication.
HOME TREATMENT
Wash hands often with antiseptic soap, and use paper towels to dry. Don't touch eyes.
Gently wipe the discharge from the eye using disposable tissues. Infections are frequently spread by contaminated fingers, towels, handkerchiefs or wash cloths that have touched the infected eye.
Use warm-water compresses to reduce discomfort.
Don't use eye makeup.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, sulfa eye drops, steroid eye drops or antibiotic ointment to fight infection. Use 3 times daily. If the infection does not improve in 2 or 3 days, it may be caused by an insensitive bacteria, virus or allergy. At this point, an ophthalmologist may need to culture the conjunctivae or make special studies to determine the cause of the conjunctivitis. Most ophthalmologists believe corticosteroid eye drops should not be used until a diagnosis is definite. If the infection is caused by herpes simplex virus, steroids may spread it from the conjunctiva to the cornea, damaging the eye.
ACTIVITYResume vigorous physical activities when symptoms improve.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of conjunctivitis.
The infection does not improve in 48 hours despite treatment.
Fever occurs.
Eye pain increases.
Vision is affected.
|
|
|
|
Dserun mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum and sunt in culpa qui officias deserunt mollit. Excepteur plus sint occaecat the best cupidatat nonr proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. September 24, 2004
