Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the tissue that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid.  It is the most likely diagnosis in someone with a red eye and discharge. It is often called “pinkeye”.

There are 3 main types of pinkeye:  Bacterial, Viral, and Allergic pinkeye. WebMd has a complete  slideshow of the different types of pinkeye.

                          

Bacterial pinkeye is commonly caused by germs that are spread by coming in contact with the secretions of someone who has the infection or with contaminated objects and surfaces. It is highly contagious. The affected eye often is crusted in the morning. The discharge is thick and may be yellow, white, or green in color.

 

Viral pinkeye is typically caused by a virus that can also cause the common cold. Viral pinkeye is highly contagious. It is spread by direct contact with the secretions of someone who has the infection or with contaminated objects and surfaces. The eye may produce watery or thick discharge. Patients often complain of a burning, sandy, or gritty feeling in one eye. The eye may also be more sensitive to light.

 

Allergic pinkeye is caused by exposure to an allergy-causing substance, such as pollen or dander. Symptoms include itchy, puffy, red, watery eyes. This type of pinkeye is not contagious

 

Bacterial: Your child’s doctor may prescribe ointments or eye drops , which contain antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. These medicines are commonly used for 7 days. For more information regarding the best way to place eye drops or ointment in your child’s eye, check out the following link from KidsMeds:  http://www.kidsmeds.info/en/art/22/

 

Viral: There is no treatment for viral pinkeye. However, your child may get some relief from itchy eyes by using a topical antihistamine or decongestant, which are available over-the-counter.  Warm or cool compresses may be comforting. Medicines used to treat pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) provide additional relief for symptoms. You can also clean the affected eye with warm water and cotton balls to help remove the crusts that cause the eye(s) to stick together in the morning. When using cotton balls or napkins, it is important to wipe from the inside corner of the eye to the outside. It’s also important to wash your hands and the washcloth immediately after to prevent spreading germs.

 

Allergic: Avoiding exposure to the allergen is the best treatment. Applying a cool compress over the eye may also help alleviate symptoms. Consult your child’s doctor before starting an antihistamine, since these are not recommended in children under the age of 2 years. Saline eye drops, such as Artificial Tears®, may also help relieve eye discomfort. If over-the-counter medications do not improve your child’s symptoms, you should call your child’s doctor.

 

Your doctor will advise you when it is safe for you or your child to return to work or school. Since bacterial and viral pinkeye are highly contagious, your doctor may suggest staying home until there is no discharge from the eye(s) or until symptoms improve. This can take 3-5 days. For many children, most schools require that students should be receiving 24 hours of antibiotics before returning to school for bacterial pinkeye.

 

Adults or children with bacterial or viral pinkeye should not share handkerchiefs, tissues, towels, cosmetics, silverware, or bed sheets/pillows with uninfected family or friends. In the summertime, pinkeye can be avoided by not allowing kids to swim in contaminated water or to share contaminated towels.

 

Hand washing is an important way to prevent the spread of infection. Hands should be wet with water and soap, then rubbed together for 15 to 30 seconds. Teach children to wash their hands before and after eating and after touching their eyes, coughing, or sneezing.

 

The best way to avoid allergic pink eye is to avoid exposure to the allergen, such as pollen or pet hair.

Jacobs DS.  Patient information: conjunctivitis (pinkeye).  Available at URL: http://www.uptodate.com/online/content/topic.do?topicKey=eye_heal/2971&selectedTitle=3%7E150&source=search_result  Accessed March 18, 2011.

 

American Academy of Ophthalmology. Viral conjunctivitis. Available at URL: http://www.aao.org/theeyeshaveit/red-eye/viral-conjunctivitis.cfm. Accessed March 18, 2011.

 

American Academy of Ophthalmology. Allergic conjunctivitis. Available at URL: http://www.aao.org/theeyeshaveit/red-eye/allergic-conjunctivitis.cfm. Accessed March 18, 2011.

 

American Academy of Ophthalmology. Bacterial conjunctivitis. Available at URL: http://www.aao.org/theeyeshaveit/red-eye/bacterial-conjunctivitis.cfm. Accessed March 17, 2011.

 

American Optometric Association. Conjunctivitis. Available at URL: http://www.aoa.org/conjunctivitis.xml. Accessed March 18, 2011.

 

Mayo Clinic. Pink eye. Available at URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pink-eye/DS00258. Accessed March 17, 2011.

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