Pinkeye not Redeye

Pinkeye (a.k.a conjunctivitis) is redness and swelling of the conjunctiva. The mucous membrane lines the eyelid and eye surface. The lining of the eye is usually clear. If irritation or infection occurs, the lining becomes red and swollen. Contagious forms of pink eye are usually linked to bacterial or viral infections. Non-contagious pink eye can occur when eye irritants such as allergens, dust and smoke are in the environment. Coughing and sneezing can spread contagious pink eye by spraying tiny droplets from infected mucus into the air. Shared towels also can be infected, as well as table tops, counter spaces and bathrooms.


Common symptoms of pinkeye are eye redness (hyperemia), swollen and red eyelids, crusty eyelashes on waking, more tearing than usual, feeling as if something is in the eye (foreign body sensation or keratoconjunctivitis), an itching or burning feeling, mild sensitivity to light (photophobia), and drainage from the eye.



Symptoms:

1. Allergic conjunctivitis causes itching, redness and excessive tearing in both eyes. Your nose also may be stuffy, itchy and runny.
2. Bacterial conjunctivitis often spreads to both eyes and causes a heavy discharge, sometimes greenish. Crusting may appear on eyelids.
3. Viral conjunctivitis usually affects only one eye, which has excessive watering and a light discharge. Crusting on eyelids sometimes occurs.

Can Pink Eye Cause Vision Loss?

Only if it is left untreated, certain types of bacterial conjunctivitis can scar the eye's surface. This may lead to permanent eye damage and vision loss. In extreme and rare cases of uncontrolled conjunctivitis, an eye might even need to be removed because of infection that spreads throughout the eye and its interior (endophthalmitis).

How To Prevent

1. Never share washcloths, towels or pillowcases with anyone at home or in a public environment.
2. Don't share eye drops or cosmetics such as eyeliner, eye shadow or mascara.
3. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching the corners of your eye or rubbing your eye.
4. Dust and vacuum frequently to eliminate allergens in the home.
5. Keep windows and doors closed on days when the airborne pollen count is high.
6. Stay in well ventilated areas if you're exposed to smoke, chemicals or fumes.

But the most important is if you have no way of knowing for sure what type of pink eye you have, see your eye doctor before using any eye drops in your medicine cabinet from previous infections or eye problems

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