June 16, 2022 | Pink eye may sound like a condition only rabbits need to worry about but it’s actually a common form of inflammation that affects about six million people in this country every year. Known clinically as conjunctivitis, the eye infection can affect young and old alike but it’s seen most often in young children because they are in such close contact in schools and day care centers and because they don’t always practice good hygiene. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane, or conjunctiva, that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they’re more visible. This is what causes the whites of your eyes to appear reddish or pink. It is commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, or in the case of babies, a partially closed ear duct. Though conjunctivitis may seem irritating, it can affect a person’s vision in rare cases.

June 16, 2022 | There are three common forms of the eye condition known as conjunctivitis, or pink eye. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type, it’s very contagious and often spreads through schools and other crowded places. It usually causes burning, red eyes with a watery discharge. Viral conjunctivitis is usually caused by the same virus that causes runny nose and sore throat in people with the common cold. With bacterial conjunctivitis, which is also very contagious, you have sore, red eyes with a lot of sticky pus in the eye. Some bacterial infections, however, may cause little or no discharge. Sometimes the bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are the same that cause strep throat. A third type, allergic conjunctivitis, comes from an allergic reaction to pollen, animals, cigarette smoke, pool chlorine or something else in the environment. It is not contagious. Allergic conjunctivitis makes your eyes very itchy, red and watery, and the eyelids may get puffy.

June 16, 2022 | The very pink or red coloring that gives the infection its nickname is a telltale sign of conjunctivitis. It’s also usual to have discomfort in the eye, which may feel itchy or gritty. Often, there’s some discharge from the eye, and pain and swelling of the conjunctiva. Pink eye can affect one or both eyes. It’s hard to tell whether the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria without an examination by an eye doctor. In general, the discharge associated with viral conjunctivitis is watery, whereas it will be thicker and more pus-like when the infection is caused by bacteria. When you wake up in the morning, your eyelids may be stuck together but don’t be alarmed, cleaning your eyes with a warm washcloth will loosen the dried crusts. Conjunctivitis may also cause blurry vision or sensitivity to bright light. For those who wear contacts, it is important to immediately remove and discard your contact lenses if there is any concern for conjunctivitis.

June 16, 2022 | In some cases, conjunctivitis will simply go away on its own, requiring little or no treatment. Dr. Megan Shirey of UAMS’ Jones Eye Institute recommends using an over-the-counter eye drop called artificial tears to alleviate irritation. You may also use a cold compress like a cool washcloth to help with the swelling and redness. If your conjunctivitis is caused by an infection, it can be contagious so you need to take some precautions and contact your eye doctor if it doesn’t improve after conservative treatment. Dr. Shirey says to avoid sharing towels, bed sheets or make-up with anyone who has conjunctivitis. Be sure to wash your hands frequently and throw out any tissues immediately after wiping your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, you’ll be advised to stop wearing them until treatment is complete. It’s also a good idea to discard and replace your makeup products and clean any brushes that you used before or during the illness.

June 16, 2022 | The type of conjunctivitis, or pink eye, that you have will determine exactly how long it takes to heal. Viral conjunctivitis, the most common type, usually gets better in one to two weeks without any type of medication. Sometimes, it can take three weeks or more to heal. And remember, antibiotics don’t help viral conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually gets better in two to five days, but it can take two weeks or more to go away completely and it typically requires a visit to your doctor. If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, ask your doctor if they recommend antibiotics for you. If you have pink eye caused by an allergen or irritant, try to avoid the allergen or irritant. Allergy medicine and some eye drops may also help. If you know that you’re prone to allergic conjunctivitis, be sure to limit any allergy triggers in the home or work area by keeping windows and doors closed on days when pollen is heavy and by not letting any dust accumulate.