Symptoms and Treatments for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Disclaimer: the author is not a medical professional. Call your doctor or optometrist if you believe you have Pink Eye.

Pink Eye is an inflammation of the thin, clear membrane that covers the eye. Also known as Red Eye or Conjunctivitis, it is highly contagious and spreads by direct contact with the infected person.

Symptoms of Pink Eye

The first indicator of Pink Eye is usually redness on the white of the eye. The eyes run and discharge mucus or yellowish-green pus, which may cause blurred vision. The eye may feel gritty, itchy or may burn.

Overnight, the eyelids may become crusty and stick together. If this is the case, a warm, not hot, washcloth should be used as a compress until the eye opens.

The length of time of a pink eye infection depends on what caused it. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics and can be cured in 3 to 5 days. Viral infections last longer. Since Pink Eye is contagious, it is best to stay away from public places where it can be spread.

Treating Pink Eye

Pink Eye is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Never use medication from a previous bout of the infection as it may be contaminated.

Clean the eye(s) with a cotton ball dipped in warm water. Then, apply the medication. If drops have been prescribed, gently pull down the lower lid to form a pocket. Let the drop fall into this pouch. When administering drops to children, lay the child on his/her back and insert the drop into the corner of the eye with the child's eye closed. When the drop is in place, ask the child to blink. The drop will run easily into the eye.

The infected person should wash their hands after using a tissue or touching their eyes. Towels, pillows or wash cloths should not be shared and should be washed after each use. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling these items. Continue this practice until you're certain the eye(s) are healed.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

• Redness, swelling or tenderness in the eyelid or area around the eye.
• Eye pain or sensitivity to light.
• Blisters near the eye or on the eyelids.
• Cloudy tissue over the membrane of your eye.
• Blurred or double vision.
• If your child has an earache accompanying the Pink Eye.
• If symptoms haven't begun to ease within 48 hours.
  The copyright of the article Symptoms and Treatments for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in Canadian Health Care is owned by Mary M. Alward. Permission to republish Symptoms and Treatments for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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