Top 5 Things You Don’t Know About Pink Eye
- Posted on: Jan 15 2015
Conjunctivitis, a common eye infection that causes inflammation and redness in the whites of the eyes is caused by either a bacterial or viral infection and is often accompanied by pain. Although pink eye is common, there are a few things you may not know about the infection. To follow is a deeper look into conjunctivitis and when it is time to seek medical attention from your ophthalmologist.
Five Surprising Facts About Pink Eye
- There are three main causes of conjunctivitis: viral and bacterial, allergic, and as a result from irritation. Viral and bacterial pink eye are the most common types of the disease and can affect one or both of the eyes. Oftentimes viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is associated with the common cold and sore throat. Viral and bacterial pink eye are incredibly contagious, and is most often seen in children although it can infect adults as well.
- Those who wear contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses are at a higher risk for developing pink eye. Other risks include being exposed to someone who is currently infected or exposure to a known allergen.
- Pink eye can seriously impair vision, so it is extremely important that at the onset of symptoms, patients call their ophthalmologist.
- Treatment for pink eye varies based off of the type of of conjunctivitis the patient may have. For bacterial pink eye, antibiotic eye drops or oral antibiotics may be prescribed. For viral conjunctivitis, there is unfortunately no treatment other than to rest and isolate the patient until the virus has ran it’s course. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotic medications. In the instance of allergic conjunctivitis, allergy eye drops or oral antihistamines are often prescribed.
- If you or your child has come down with pink eye, it’s important to take preventative measures to decrease the likelihood that it will spread. Make sure to wash your hands often and don’t touch your eyes with your hands. Don’t share towels or wash clothes with anyone else, and change your pillow case often. Although it is a nuisance, it’s highly recommended all cosmetics are thrown away, especially mascara. Depending on the type of conjunctivitis, it may survive inside cosmetics and cause recurring infections.
Pink eye often resolves itself in three to four days. However, due to the fact it is highly contagious, it is imperative children and adults seek medical evaluation at the first sign of symptoms.
Do You Think You Have Pink Eye? Contact Dr. Giyaur.
For more information about conjunctivitis, contact ophthalmologist Dr. Julia Giyaur in Brooklyn and Rego Park. Our offices can be reached at 718.676.6464. We look forward to helping you see clearly.
Posted in: Common Eye Conditions
