If you have ever had it, you’d remember it….Pink Eye. It is that ooey, gooey stuff that itches in your now ed eye(s) and blurs your vision. So, what is it exactly?What Are the Symptoms of Pinkeye?
The symptoms of pinkeye differ from redness to an itchy burning based on the cause of the inflammation. May of the most common symptoms include:
- Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Increased amount of tears
- Green or white discharge from the eye
- Itchy eyes
- Burning eyes
- Blurred vision
- Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after-sleep
What Causes Pinkeye?
Pinkeye has a number of different causes from basic allergies to viral. Some of the most common causes including:
- Viruses
- Bacteria (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia)
- Irritants such as shampoos, hairspray, dirt, smoke, and even pool chlorine
- Allergies, like dust, pollen, or other common allergies.
Pinkeye caused by some bacteria and viruses can spread easily from person to person. In general, pink eye is very contagious, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly. Pinkeye transfers from one person to the next by touching something that has been infected by pinkeye. So, what can you do to prevent spreading pinkeye?
How Can You Prevent Spreading Pinkeye?
If you or your child has pinkeye:
- Don’t touch or rub the infected eye(s).
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Wash your eyes several times during the day with a fresh cotton ball or paper towel and then discard it. Then, wash your hands again.
- Wash your pillowcases and bed linens in hot water and detergent.
- Try not to wear makeup, especially eye makeup.
- Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Throw away your disposable lenses or thoroughly clean extended ware lenses.
- Throw away eye liner and clean makeup brushes that came in contact with your infected eye(s).
- If your child has bacterial or viral pinkeye, keep your child home from school until he or she is no longer contagious.
- Wipe down and wash all items that may have come in contact with pinkeye from toys to counters.
What Can I Do to Relieve Symptoms of Pinkeye?
If you think you have pinkeye, you need to see your eye doctor to conduct an exam of your eyes. Your doctor will determine which type of pinkeye you have contracted. If you have a bacterial form of pinkeye, it is typically treated with antibiotics in the form of eye drops, ointments or pills. If you have the viral form of pinkeye, it can be treated in the same way as bacterial or it may be left to run it course. If your pinkeye comes from irritants, it can be treated with the use of warm water to wash the substance from your eyes for about 5 minutes. If your pinkeye is allergy associated, the pinkeye should improve once the allergy has been treated or the allergen has been removed. It is important to treat pinkeye properly or it can prolong the virus or even lead to blindness.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
