Pink eye is an irritating inflammation of the clear covering of the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, also known as the conjunctiva. Although it’s a common problem found primarily among preschoolers, schoolchildren, high school and college students, teachers and daycare workers, it’s easily treated, and by implementing a few protective measures, it’s easy to avoid.
The term “pink eye” is used only to describe viral conjunctivitis, which is a highly contagious infection created from a variety of viruses.
Symptoms include one or both eyes presenting a pink appearance. Additional symptoms are related to the type of conjunctivitis you’ve contracted. Sensitivity to bright light and watery or itchy eyes are signs of viral conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious and may be spread by coughing or sneezing.
These are the three types of conjunctivitis:
1. Bacterial conjunctivitis is detected when a yellow or greenish-yellow eye discharge is seen in the corner of an eye, sometimes causing the eyelids to be stuck together. In treating bacterial conjunctivitis, an eye doctor will typically prescribe ointments or antibiotic eye drops.
2. Allergic conjunctivitis, though not contagious, is displayed by a runny nose, watery, burning and itchy eyes. Bouts with allergic conjunctivitis are usually treated with allergy medications. It’s often best to start applying these medications prior to allergy season. See your physician for details.
3. Viral conjunctivitis will usually go away on its own after several days with no medical treatment necessary. Symptoms may be relieved by applying a cold, wet washcloth to the infected eyes. Since viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, do not share a washcloth with others.
If you ever acquire pink eye, you’ll want to do all you can to keep it from spreading by practicing good hygiene. Do all you can to wash your hands often, use a clean towel and washcloth daily, change your pillowcases regularly, dispose of all eye cosmetics and avoid sharing eye cosmetics or personal eye care items. It’s also advisable to avoid touching your eyes with your hands, and do not share towels or washcloths with others.
The best way to keep pink eye from others is to stay home until eye discharged has ceased. Most child care facilities and schools demand that your child wait a minimum of 24 hours after starting treatment prior to returning.
If you wear contact lenses and contract pink eye, remove them and wear only your glasses until you have the opportunity to be treated by an eye doctor. If you choose to wear eyeglasses more often to reduce the risk of pink eye, try wearing high-index lenses with anti-reflective coating to make your glasses lighter and remove distracting reflections in the lenses. Photochromic lenses may protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation and improve sensitivity to light associated with pink eye.
In regards to newborns, their eyes are susceptible to bacteria normally present in the mother’s birth canal, which cause no noticeable symptoms in the mother. In rare cases, these bacteria can cause infants to develop a serious form of conjunctivitis known as ophthalmic neonatorum, which needs immediate treatment to preserve sight. That’s why shortly after birth, an antibiotic ointment is applied to every newborn’s eyes to prevent eye infection.
If you have concerns or questions about eye discomfort or are in need of a primary care physician for yourself or someone else, please call 317-880-7666 or visit www.eskenazihealth.edu/doctors.
Dr. Nydia Nunez-Estrada
Family Medicine Physician at Eskenazi Health