December 18, 2006
What is conjunctivitis?
known as pink eye, is an infection of the conjunctiva (the outer-most
layer of the eye that covers the sclera). The three most common
types of conjunctivitis are: viral, allergic, and bacterial.
Each requires different treatments. With the exception of
the allergic type, conjunctivitis is typically contagious. ... The
allergic type occurs more frequently among those with allergic conditions.
When related to allergies, the symptoms are often seasonal.
Allergic conjunctivitis may also be caused by intolerance to substances
such as cosmetics, perfume, or drugs."
(For those interested in viewing an image that will show students
what "pink eye" can look like, the above site contains
a graphic close-up of an eye with conjunctivitis.) While the allergic
type of conjunctivitis is a personal reaction to something in the
environment with which a person has contact (and is not contagious),
both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are easily spread.
"Viral and bacterial
conjunctivitis may affect one or both eyes. Viral conjunctivitis
usually produces a watery or mucous discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis
often produces a thicker, yellow-green discharge and may be associated
with a respiratory infection or with a sore throat. Both viral and
bacterial conjunctivitis are associated with colds. Both viral and
bacterial types are very contagious. Adults and children alike can
develop both of these types of pink eye. However, bacterial conjunctivitis
is more common in children than it is in adults."
While many people associate
pink eye with small children, anyone can get it. Teens and adults
may not remember what it felt like to have pink eye as a child --
and since there are so many different causes of conjunctivitis,
different people (or the same person at different times) will show
different symptoms. All this can sometimes make it difficult for
teens and young adults to accurately determine what is causing the
irritation in their eyes.
affect one or both eyes. The most common symptom is discomfort in
the eye, which may feel itchy or gritty. There often will be some
discharge from the eyes and pain, swelling of the conjunctiva, and
the very pink or red coloring that gives the infection its nickname.
It can be hard to tell whether the infection is caused by a virus
or bacteria. 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 (don't be alarmed, though --
cleaning your eyes with a warm washcloth will loosen the dried crusts).
Itchiness and tearing are common with allergic conjunctivitis."
While the above information
can provide helpful guidelines, it is important to see a doctor
of conjunctivitis is suspected.
"Pink eye can be an
irritating condition, but it's usually harmless to your sight and
typically doesn't require extensive or emergency treatment. Yet
because pink eye can be highly contagious for as long as two weeks
after signs and symptoms begin, it's important to seek diagnosis
and treatment early. Keep children with bacterial conjunctivitis
away from child care facilities or school until after they start
treatment. Children with viral conjunctivitis are usually contagious
for a few days. Check with your doctor if you have any questions
about when your child can return to school or child care. Most schools
and child care facilities require that your child wait at least
24 hours after starting treatment before returning to school or
child care. Occasionally, conjunctivitis causes corneal complications
-- in both adults and children -- making early treatment even more
With cold and flu season
upon us, good hygiene is important for many reasons. As is the case
with numerous diseases,
"Good hygiene can
help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis:
* Keep hands away from the eye.
* Wash the hands frequently.
* Change pillowcases frequently.
* Replace eye cosmetics regularly.
* Do not share eye cosmetics.
* Do not share towels or handkerchiefs.
* Handle and clean contact lenses properly."
Questions of the Week:
What do you, your friends, and your family members need to know
about conjunctivitis? What can you do to reduce your risk of contracting
or spreading either viral or bacterial conjunctivitis? What can
you do to reduce your risk of allergic conjunctivitis? If you suspect
that you or someone you know has conjunctivitis, what should you
do? Even if those around you show no signs of being sick, what preventative
measures can you take to keep yourself healthy?
Please email me with any ideas or suggestions.
Note: Due to increasing amounts of SPAM sent to this account, please include "QOW" in the subject line when sending me email.
I look forward to reading
what you have to say.
Health Community Coordinator
Access Excellence @ the National Health Museum