Angeles Vision Clinic: Conjuntivitis or Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis or Pink eye.

For information on other eye conditions visit our Eye Conditions page

Conjunctivitis / Pink eye:

Better known as Pink Eye, is the medical term that describes an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white of your eyes (sclera). This membrane produces mucus to coat and lubricate the surface of the eye. Upon close inspection, you can see fine blood vessels within this membrane. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated, the blood vessels enlarge making the eye appear red in color.

The three most common types of conjunctivitis are:

1. Viral

Watery discharge

Burning

Irritation

Glossy looking redness

Infection usually begins with one eye, can spread.

Often follows upper respiratory tract infection.

Treatment: Like the common cold, there is no cure for viral conjunctivitis; however, the symptoms can be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tears (found in most pharmacies). For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves within 3 weeks.

To avoid spreading infection, take these simple steps:

Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs and counters with diluted bleach solution.

Don’t swim (some bacteria can be spread in the water).

Avoid touching the face.

Wash hands frequently.

Don’t share towels or washcloths or make up products.

Do not reuse handkerchiefs (using a tissue is best).

Avoid shaking hands.

2. Allergic

Usually affects both eyes

Itching

Tearing

Swollen eyelids

Watery or stringy discharge

Treatment: Remove the allergen if possible. Cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription medications such as Patanol and Zaditor. Some patients with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid drops.

3. Bacterial

Purulent (Pussy) discharge. Lids often stick together overnight.
Swelling of the conjunctiva
Meaty Redness
Tearing
Irritation, pain and/or a gritty feeling
Usually affects only one eye, often spreads to fellow eye.

In most cases of adult or childhood conjunctivitis, treatment with topical antibiotics is initiated without cultures. If your eye care provider elects for cultures, antibiotic therapy is usually initiated and treatment changed later, if necessary, depending on culture results. Gonococcal conjunctivitis requires intravenous or intramuscular antibiotics in addition to topical therapy

Antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis:

Medications	Manufacturer	Main use
Aureomycin Ointment	Lederle	Bacterial infections
Chloramphenicol Eye Drops	Non-proprietary	Eye infections
Ciloxan	Alcon	Bacterial eye infections
Garamycin	Schering-Plough	Bacterial eye infections
Gentamicin	Non-proprietary	Bacterial infections
Minims Neomycin Sulphate	Chauvin	Infections of the skin Bacterial eye infections
Neomycin eye drops	(non-proprietary)	Infections of the skin Bacterial eye infections
Neomycin eye ointment	Non-proprietary	Infections of the skin Bacterial eye infections
Ofloxacin	Non-proprietary	Bacterial infections
Polytrim	Dominion	Bacterial eye infections
Soframycin Opthalmic	Florizel	Eye infections
Tobradex eye drops	Alcon	Eye inflammation after cataract surgery

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Angeles Vision Clinic

Conjunctivitis or Pink eye. For information on other eye conditions visit our Eye Conditions page

Conjunctivitis or Pink eye.

For information on other eye conditions visit our Eye Conditions page