FOR CHILDREN WITH PINK EYE, which management approach do you think is most effective — antibiotic eyedrops or eyedrops without antimicrobial properties? A new Finnish study suggests that lubrication alone is as effective as antimicrobial eye drops. Today we look at pink eye management.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an infection or inflammation of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers a part of the white part of the eyeball.
When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, the vessels become more visible. This change results in the whites of your eyes appearing red or pink.
Symptoms and causes of pink eye
Pink eye is typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, or — in babies — an incompletely opened tear duct.
The Mayo Clinic (USA) explains that these symptoms are possible (in one or both eyes):
- Redness
- Itchiness
- A gritty sensation
- A discharge that forms a crust during the night, possibly preventing your eye(s) from opening in the morning
- Tearing
Fortunately, while irritating, pink eye rarely affects your vision. Early diagnosis and management are important, as some cases of pink eye are contagious.
Here are some causes of pink eye:
- Viruses (such as the kind that causes the common cold)
- Bacteria
- Irritants such as dirt, shampoos, smoke, and pool chlorine
- A reaction to eye drops
- Parasites, amoebas, and fungi
- An allergic reaction to things such as pollen, dust, smoke, or contact lenses
- Sexually transmitted diseases (such as gonorrhea or Chlamydia)
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