Pinkeye is a common occurrence at schools and daycares. It is an inflammation of the conjuctiva, which is the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. It has a number of different causes, including: bacteria; irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, and pool chlorine; and allergies, like dust, pollen, or a special type of allergy that affects some contact lens wearers. Pinkeye caused by some bacteria and viruses can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly. Pinkeye in newborn babies, however, should be reported to a doctor immediately, as it could be a vision-threatening infection.
When most parents think of pink eye, they are thinking of a bacterial infection of the eye. There are a lot of causes of red eye though, including viral infections, allergies, and irritations. When caused by a bacteria, children with pineye will have green or yellow discharge from their eyes and the white parts of their eyes and the inside of the lower eyelid will be red. In addition to being matted when they wake up, with bacterial conjunctivitis, you will have to frequently wipe away drainage from your child’s eyes. In addition to bacterial infections, children can have pinkeye from allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), which will cause their eyes to be red, itchy, and tearing. Viral infections can also cause pink eye. In addition to being intensely red, children with a virus that causes pink eye will have tearing and a white discharge. A scratched eye or corneal abrasion can also cause tearing, redness, and pain in a child’s eye. While most infections affect both eyes, an abrasion would be expected to just cause symptoms in one eye.
The symptoms of pinkeye differ based on the cause of the inflammation, but may include: redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid; increased amount of tears; thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep; Itchy eyes, burning eyes, blurred vision, and/or increased sensitivity to light. See the doctor if any of these symptoms are present. He will conduct an exam of your eyes and may use a cotton swab to take a sample of fluid from the eyelid to be analyzed in a lab. Bacteria or viruses that may have caused conjuctivitis can then be identified and proper treatment prescribed.
Pinkeye is treated depending on the cause. Bacterial causes of pinkeye require an antibiotic, either topical drops or ointments or an oral antibiotic if your child has another bacterial infection (like an ear infection). Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with typical allergy medications and topical drops like Patanol and Alocril. Viral causes of pink eye do not usually require treatment. Pinkeye can also be caused by irritants such as smoke and dust. Whatever the cause, you should usually wipe away any eye discharge with a warm moist cloth and wash your hands frequently in case it is contagious. Over the counter can also often help with the redness and irritation in older children.
To relieve the symptoms of pinkeye: protect your eyes from dirt and other irritating substances; avoid the use of makeup; remove contact lenses if you wear them; and use non-prescription “artificial tears”, a type of eye drop. This may help may help relieve itching and burning from the irritating substances causing your pinkeye. However, other types of eye drops may irritate the eyes and should not be used, including those promoted to treat eye redness. Note: Do not use the same bottle of drops in an uninfected eye.
If you or your child have pinkeye, prevention includes: Don’t touch or rub the infected eye(s). Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Wash any discharge from the eyes several times a day using a fresh cotton ball or paper towel. Afterwards, discard the cotton ball or paper towel and wash your hands with soap and warm water. Wash your bed linens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water and detergent. Avoid wearing eye makeup. Don’t share eye makeup with anyone. Never wear another person’s contact lenses. Wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses. Throw away disposable lenses or be sure to clean extended wear lenses and all eyewear cases. Avoid sharing common articles such as unwashed towels and glasses. Wash your hands after applying eyedrops or ointment to your eye or your child’s eye. If your child has bacterial or viral pinkeye, keep your child home from school or daycare until he or she is no longer contagious. It’s usually safe to return to school when symptoms have been resolved; however, it’s important to continue practicing good hygiene just to be sure.
Usually, pinkeye is a self-limited disease, either clearing up on its own or after a course of antibiotics. However, certain forms of conjunctivitis can become serious and sight-threatening, because they can cause cornea scarring. They include conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, or certain strains of the adenovirus.
Viral pinkeuye is highly contagious. However, maintaining proper hygiene and taking proper care of your contact lenses can help reduce your risk. If someone in your household has pinkeye, be sure to wash hands often and thoroughly. Avoid sharing washcloths, towels, pillowcases, mascara, or eyeliner with the person. Eye drops are commonly given to treat conjunctivitis.
Pinkeye is probably overdiagnosed. With an upper respiratory tract infection, many children have reflux of their nasal drainage through their tear ducts and into their eye. These kids will usually have a runny nose and cough and a little drainage from their eyes, especially when they wake up. They will not have continuous eye drainage throughout the day and their eyes will not be red. This pattern of eye drainage is usually not pink eye and doesn’t require treatment.