Conjunctivitis ("Pink Eye")

Conjunctivitis ("pink eye") is an inflammation of the thin, clear membrane covering the eye. The name 'pink eye' comes from the most visible sign of this inflammation, reddening of the normally white part of the eye. 

Other signs of conjunctivitis include increased tearing (watery eyes), drainage that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially during sleep, and itching. Pain is uncommon, but people often complain that the eye feels irritated or as if there is something in the eye. Vision is usually not affected.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by an infection (bacterial or viral), allergy, exposure to chemicals or other irritants such as pollens, smoke or dust. If conjunctivitis is due to an infection, the infection can be spread from person to person in droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air or on hands, towels, or wash cloths.

If you have symptoms of conjunctivitis, visit the doctor to find out what is causing the infection and get proper treatment. If conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, it usually gets better on its own in 8 to 10 days. If it is caused by bacteria, antibiotic drops or ointment usually clear it up 3 to 5 days; use these medications exactly as your doctor ordered.

Take these measures to keep from spreading the eye infection to other areas of your own body or to other people:

• Wash your hands after treating/touching the infected eye.
• Try not to rub the eye, but if you do, clean your hands afterwards.
• Use separate wash cloths and towels from others in your household.
• Use clean fresh cloths and towels each day until drainage from the eye has stopped.
• Immediately discard tissues used to cleanse the eye area.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often, and always before you eat and after toileting or handling diapers or other waste.

Children and others with infectious conjunctivitis should be kept out of school or day care or other group activities for at time. If the cause is bacterial infection, they may be allowed to go back to to group activities after the first full day of treatment. However, if the doctor suspects a viral infection (for which antibiotics may not be helpful), a longer period of absence may be advised. Many schools and daycare centers have written guidelines concerning the return of a person with conjunctivitis.

Call a doctor immediately:

• if redness, swelling or tenderness spreads around the eye or to the eyelid,
• if severe pain develops,
• if vision becomes blurred,
• if you have double vision, or
• if you become extremely sensitive to light.

Call your doctor’s office if you feel frightened or worried about any illness. 

 

Last Updated: March 25, 2009