Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

is a treatable common eye disorder due to infection of the eye. It can also be caused by a bacteria, allergy or irritant. In conjunctivitis, or “pink eye” as it is commonly known, the surface and the inside lining of the eyelid temporarily become inflamed and sore. This surface and lining are covered with a transparent membrane called the conjunctiva, hence the name. The eye looks red and bloodshot, usually itches or burns, and may have a watery discharge (caused by viral infection) which makes the skin around the eye sticky. After sleeping, the eye may be gummy or crusted closed with dried pus (caused by bacterial infection). It can irritate the sensitive skin around the eye. *Viral *Bacterial PREVENTION/TREATMENT: *Allergic *Ophthalmia Neonatorum Caution must be used to prevent the spread of the infection to the unaffected eye. When prescribed an Ophthalmia Neonatorum is a severe ointment or antibiotic eye drops by a physician, it’s type of conjunctivitis that is contracted by newborns usually advised to use the medication in both eyes (up to 3-10 days old) when passing through the since cross contamination is so common. Bacterial, mothers’ infected birth canal often from Gonorrhea, not viral, infections benefit from antibiotics; but Chlamydia, strep or staph infections. Federal law now many health care providers prescribe one anyway requires all states to use preventative eye drops, such since the type can be undiagnosed. Antihistamines as erythromycin, on newborns as standard newborn or over-the-counter medications may be advised for treatment. Untreated with eye medication, the allergic reactions. As a parent or educator, you condition can become very serious, causing blindness. must be aware of the vision of your child/student. If there is unexplained and sudden itching, have it Sources: checked out by a medical professional. Use anti- Clayman, C. B. (Ed.). (1994). The American Medical Association Family bacterial cleaner on all hard surfaces for several Medical Guide (3rd ed.). New York: Random House. days. It’s commonly spread by touching an infected Conjunctivitis in Newborns. (2010, June 4). Centers for Disease Control person who has touched the infected eye or by and Prevention. Retrieved July 9, 2010, from picking up a book or touching a desk of an infected http://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/newborns.html#b person. All members of the household should use Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye. (n.d.). Angeles Vision Clinic. Retrieved July 1, separate bedding, towels and washcloths. Practice 2010, from http://www.avclinic.com/conjuntivitis.htm frequent hand washing when infected with pink eye to overcome the infection quickly so as not to Pink Eye. (2010, May 22). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved July 7, 2010, from reinfect oneself by cross contamination. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pink-eye/DS00258 Jones, S., & Jones, M. (with Bernstein, P. S., & Westdahl, C.). (2004). Types of Conjunctivitis: Great Expectations: Your All-in-one Resource for Pregnancy and Childbirth. New York: Sterling.