Pinkeye

Pinkeye, also known as Conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (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.

Causes

Pinkeye is commonly caused by:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Allergens
• A foreign body in the eye
• A chemical splash in the eye

Symptoms

Common symptoms of pinkeye include:

• Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
• Increased amount of tears
• Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep
• Green or white discharge from the eye
• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light

Prevention

Prevention methods for pinkeye include:

• Avoiding touching your eyes with your hands
• Washing your hands often
• Using a clean towel and washcloth daily
• Not sharing towels or washcloths
• Changing pillowcases often
• Throwing away eye cosmetics, such as mascara
• Not sharing eye cosmetics or personal eye care items

Treatment

Treatment of pinkeye depends on the cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Viral conjunctivitis does not usually require treatment; your body fights the virus on its own. Conjunctivitis caused by an allergen or irritant can be treated by removing the allergen or irritant.

Pinkeye Resources
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