What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis (also called pink eye or commonly known as sore eye) is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids). It is commonly due to an infection (usually viral, but sometimes bacterial) or an allergic reaction
What are the signs and symptoms?
• Bacterial conjunctivitis causes the rapid onset of conjunctival redness, swelling of the eyelid, and mucopurulent discharge (A sticky, yellow or greenish-yellow eye discharge in the corner of the eye).
• Typically, symptoms develop first in one eye, but may spread to the other eye within 2–5 days.
• Severe crusting of the infected eye and the surrounding skin may also occur.
• The scratchy feeling is sometimes localized enough for patients to insist they must have a foreign body in the eye.
• The more acute pyogenic infections can be painful.
How do I get it?
o Both bacterial and viral infections are contagious and passed from person to person with infected hands or items that have touched the eye and can also spread through contaminated objects or water.
What should I do if I get infected?
– On the first sign of eye redness and/or irritation, please visit the infirmary right away or visit your family Pediatrician or EENT Physician.
– Avoid rubbing/touching your eyes with infected hands or items (towel/handkerchief).
– Maxitrol, Tobradex, or Inoflox Ophthalmic drops are the medicine of choice for bacterial conjunctivitis. Apply 1-2 drops 3 times a day for 3-5 days. NOTE: Eye-Mo or Vasine is NOT the medicine for bacterial conjunctivitis.
– Always cleanse hands with soap and water or alcohol or hand-sanitizer.
How can I avoid or prevent myself from getting infected?
– The best and effective prevention is hygiene and not touching or rubbing the eyes by infected hands.
– Always cleanse hands with alcohol or hand-sanitizer.
If you are already infected, please stay at home to prevent further spread.
