PINK EYE

PINK EYE - infectious conjunctivitis

GENERAL INFORMATION

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin, clear membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the white of the eye and inside surface of the eyelid. It can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses and other germs as well as by allergy (e.g. pollens) and exposure to chemicals (e.g. smoke, cosmetics) or irritants (e.g. dust).
Infection spreads from person to person by direct contact, in droplets coughed or sneezed into the air, or on hands, towels and washcloths. The time until illness begins depends on the germ involved, but is usually 2 to 7 days after exposure.

THE ILLNESS

The usual signs of conjunctivitis are redness of the white of the eye, often accompanied by increased tearing or discharge ("matter"). This discharge may be watery, or thick with mucus and pus causing the eyelids to stick together. Infection may begin in only one eye, but usually spreads to involve both. Pain is uncommon. Older children will sometimes complain that their eyes burn or itch or that it feels as if something is in the eye. Vision should remain unchanged, although pus and mucus can cause some blurring.
The duration of illness varies. Viral infections usually get better in 8 to 10 days and are unaffected by antibiotics, whereas, most cases of conjunctivitis caused by bacteria can be cured by antibiotics within 3 to 5 days.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

If you are worried about your child's illness, call your doctor if your child has:
1. Redness, swelling or tenderness spreading around the eye or eyelid.
2. Severe eye pain.
3. Constant blurring of vision.
4. Double vision.
5. Extreme sensitivity to light.
Other symptoms for consulting your doctor are:
1. Fever over 102° .
2. Small blisters (like cold sores) close to the eye.
3. Cloudy tissue covering the eye.
4. No improvement after 2 days of treatment or after 7 days if untreated.

TREATMENT

The usual treatment for infectious conjunctivitis is an antibiotic drop or ointment. If using these medicines on your child is a battle, ask about the possibility of giving an antibiotic by mouth instead. If your child is getting an oral antibiotic for another reason, such as an ear infection, eye drops or ointment may not be necessary.
Before you start treatment, wipe any mucus or pus off the eyelids with a tissue dipped in warm water. Warn older children that the medicine may sting or burn for a few moments. Then gently pull the lower lid down and place one drop (or a 1/4 inch ribbon of ointment) into the small pouch that this forms. If your child is older and cooperative, ask him/her to look up while you are putting in the medicine. Avoid touching the dropper or tube to the eye.
Another way to give eye drops is to have your child lid face up with both eyes closed. Place one drop on the inner corner of each eye and then gently pull the lids apart or tell your child to blink. The drops will run into the eye by themselves.