Pinkeye, otherwise known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin mucous membrane that lines the inner area of your eyelid and covers the white parts of the eyes. Conjunctivitis can affect either one or both eyes and, in certain cases, can be highly contagious.
From bacterial to viral, allergy-related or chemical, there are many kinds of conjunctivitis. Most are not serious and (with the exception of bacterial, which requires prescription medication) don’t require a visit to the doctor. Simple TLC and time are all that are required.
Symptoms Of Pinkeye
The symptoms and signs of conjunctivitis differ depending upon the underlying cause of infection. Some of the more common symptoms include:
· Sticky Coating Covering the Eyelashes
Usually, one of the first signs you’ll notice that you’ve developed conjunctivitis is that you cannot open your eyes in the morning. They’re stuck together, almost as if the Sandman was secretly replaced by a glue-pouring substitute.
The sticky coating is pus, which the infection produced and oozed out of your eyes as you slept. With the passing of time, the pus hardens into a crust that, while irritating and annoying, is not dangerous and can be removed with warm water.
· Red-Colored Eyes
Although the condition is commonly called pinkeye, the whites of your eyes actually turn red, thanks to the inflammation and irritation of the tiny blood vessels of the conjunctiva. This redness is normal, and there is no cause for concern unless the eye is extremely red and painful, and your vision is affected or light-sensitive. (In this case, call your doctor because it may be a more serious condition.)
· Swollen, Watery Eyes
Your eyelids may actually swell and puff if the inflammation is severe or if you’ve been rubbing your eyes in the night. The tiny tear glands in the corner of each eye are often affected by the inflammation and may become overactive, leading to wet, teary eyes.
· Itchy or Burning Eyes
Itchy eyes are often related to pinkeye produced by allergens, while burning eyes are the result of a chemical irritation.
· Swollen Lymph Nodes/Flu-like Feeling
Don’t be alarmed if the lymph node in your neck is swollen, tender or even painful. This is a common symptom of viral-based conjunctivitis, and the swelling will go away as the infection clears. Fever, headache, sore throat and other flu-related symptoms also will disappear as the condition improves.
Different Kinds of Conjunctivitis
Bacterial
Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics in the form of pills, eye drops or ointments. Drops and ointments are typically applied three or four times a day for up to a week, while pills are taken for several days. Symptoms will begin to clear up within two to four days, but continue treatment as prescribed by your physician.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually accompanied by a severe yellow or green discharge that “glues” the eyes together, often with pain, burning or itching. In these cases, it’s important to see a doctor and take immediate steps to stop the infection from spreading to others.
People with bacterial pinkeye can typically return to school or work within 24 hours of starting an antibiotic.
Viral
The same respiratory virus that causes a sore throat, upper respiratory infection and even the common cold is also responsible for viral pinkeye. On rare occasions, it can be the result of the same virus that causes herpes. And like a common cold, viral conjunctivitis simply needs to run its course. Relieve symptoms can help relieve symptoms by applying a cold compress and using artificial tears as recommended by your doctor.
Most viral cases are associated with watery tears as opposed to a pus-like green or yellow discharge. Those with viral can usually return to school or work when symptoms start to subside, typically in within three to five days. Medicines are not usually used to treat viral pinkeye, so it is important to prevent the spread of the infection.
Irritants
Pinkeye can be caused by outside irritants, including soap or shampoo, dirt, chlorine from a swimming pool, and in severe cases, chemical contact. Wash the irritated eye with warm water for at least five minutes to flush the irritant away. Avoid further exposure to the irritating substances. Your eyes should begin to improve within four hours after washing away the substance. If not, call a doctor.
Allergic
Allergy-associated conjunctivitis should be checked out by your ophthalmologist and an allergist. It may disappear completely when the allergy is treated with antihistamines or when the allergen is removed. You can relieve symptoms temporarily by applying a cold compress on closed eyes.
Treating Pinkeye
In most cases, you treat pinkeye at home yourself and the condition doesn’t require a trip to the doctor. The exceptions are cases caused by a bacterial infection or if symptoms include high fever, chills, severe pain, and/or vision loss, blurred vision, double vision, or if you see rings of light -- called halos -- floating around objects.
Home remedies to relieve the pain and irritation of pinkeye are the same despite the cause.
· Remove contacts and thoroughly clean them. Place them in their case until all signs and symptoms have disappeared.
· Apply a separate cold or warm compress (whichever feels better for you) to each eye. If the infection is only in one eye, be sure not to touch the other eye with the cloth.
· Use an over-the-counter eye drop that contains an antihistamine to relieve pain and discomfort temporarily. Artificial tears can soothe irritated eyes.
· If your eyes are oozing and crusty, wash your eyelids with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Pat dry.
· Apply prescription medication as directed by your doctor. Be sure not to wipe away any ointment with a compress.
Prevent the Spread of Conjunctivitis
· Refrain from rubbing or picking at your eyes.
· Wash hands often with soap and warm water.
· Flush toilet paper that’s touched your infected eye instead of throwing in the trash.
· Wash sheets, pillowcases and towels in hot water and detergent.
· Don’t use any eye makeup until the infection has cleared.
· Don’t share items such as towels, clothing, cups and glasses.
· Wash your hands after applying eye drops or ointment to your eye.
· Stay home for the recommended amount of time.