Pink eye (conjunctivitis)



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is a treatable common eye disorder due to infection of the eye. It can also be caused by a bacteria, allergy or irritant. In conjunctivitis, or “pink eye” as it is commonly known, the surface and the inside lining of the eyelid temporarily become inflamed and sore. This surface and lining are covered with a transparent membrane called the conjunctiva, hence the name. The eye looks red and bloodshot, usually itches or burns, and may have a watery discharge (caused by viral infection) which makes the skin around the eye sticky. After sleeping, the eye may be gummy or crusted closed with dried pus (caused by bacterial infection). It can irritate the sensitive skin around the eye.

PREVENTION/TREATMENT:

Caution must be used to prevent the spread of the infection to the unaffected eye. When prescribed an ointment or antibiotic eye drops by a physician, it’s usually advised to use the medication in both eyes since cross contamination is so common. Bacterial, not viral, infections benefit from antibiotics; but many health care providers prescribe one anyway since the type can be undiagnosed. Antihistamines or over-the-counter medications may be advised for allergic reactions. As a parent or educator, you must be aware of the vision of your child/student. If there is unexplained and sudden itching, have it checked out by a medical professional. Use anti-bacterial cleaner on all hard surfaces for several days. It’s commonly spread by touching an infected person who has touched the infected eye or by picking up a book or touching a desk of an infected person. All members of the household should use separate bedding, towels and washcloths. Practice frequent hand washing when infected with pink eye to overcome the infection quickly so as not to reinfect oneself by cross contamination.

Types of Conjunctivitis:

*Viral *Bacterial

*Allergic *Ophthalmia Neonatorum

Ophthalmia Neonatorum is a severe type of conjunctivitis that is contracted by newborns (up to 3-10 days old) when passing through the mothers’ infected birth canal often from Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, strep or staph infections. Federal law now requires all states to use preventative eye drops, such as erythromycin, on newborns as standard newborn treatment. Untreated with eye medication, the condition can become very serious, causing blindness.

Sources:

Clayman, C. B. (Ed.). (1994). The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide (3rd ed.). New York: Random House.

Conjunctivitis in Newborns. (2010, June 4). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 9, 2010, from

Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye. (n.d.). Angeles Vision Clinic. Retrieved July 1, 2010, from

Pink Eye. (2010, May 22). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 7, 2010, from



Jones, S., & Jones, M. (with Bernstein, P. S., & Westdahl, C.). (2004). Great Expectations: Your All-in-one Resource for Pregnancy and Childbirth. New York: Sterling.

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