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Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is fairly common and well known among most people. Pink eye is a bothersome, somewhat irritating condition of the eyes that is also very contagious.
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is caused by viral and bacterial infections that can be transmitted via the hands to the eyes. Thus is very contagious. This condition is not very serious, although it is uncomfortable. Symptoms include:
redness of the eyes, inflammation or swelling of the eyelids, itchy, watery eyes, mucus like matter and drainage from the eyes, soft at first, but at night when the person is sleeping it dries up and causes a crust on the eyes, that may make it hard to open the eyes in the morning. A warm wet towel will do well to help soften the exudate in the morning. Be sure to wash your hands and put the towel directly into the laundry because the exudate is highly contagious. Other causes of conjunctivitis are allergies, chemicals, and foreign bodies (dust, sawdust, bugs, minutes piece of something that flies into the eye).
In uncommon cases, conjunctivitis can lead to serious complications. Infections from a virus can lead to ulcers on the cornea that can lead to blindness. When the cornea is involved the conjunctivitis is very painful,usually and more exudate and there is usually sensitivity to light.
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and you can get reinfected and keep passing it back and forth, so always see an eye doctor if it is suspected. If you get something in your eye, don't rub it! Cover the eye with a bandage and see the eye doctor as soon as possible. Don't put your fingers in your eyes. Don't use a towel or tissue in one eye and then the other, use two different things for either eye. Dispose of immediately thereafter. Treatment is usually antibiotic drops and salves. Treatment is usually effective within days to a few weeks. A child cannot go to school until it is clear because it is so contagious. The cause of conjunctivitis must be determined before treatment is given.
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