Pinkeye Everything You Need To Know

Many things can cause the outermost layer of the eye to turn pink or red. Allergies, chemical irritation, contact lenses are just a few. But these aren’t the reasons that usually keep parents up at night. When someone refers to Pinkeye, they’re usually referring to an infection of the transparent outermost layer of the eyeball and eyelid caused by a bacteria or virus.

How is Pinkeye transmitted?

Pinkeye is very common and very contagious. It spreads through contact with eye secretions from an infected person. You can contract Pinkeye by touching your eye after touching an infected surface or object such as a doorknob or shopping cart. You can also get it from shaking hands or sharing towels and pillows with an infected person. Prevent Pinkeye by washing your hands regularly, using an antibacterial hand sanitizer, and keeping your hands away from your face.

The virus that causes Pinkeye is the same virus as the common cold. Like the common cold, it usually improves on its own in several days. The bacterial form of Pinkeye may actually produce symptoms that are worse than the viral Pinkeye. Medications such as antibiotics may be necessary to curb the bacterial infection.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of Pinkeye include redness, itching, and tearing eyes. A gritty feeling in the eyes, eye discharge, and crusting around the eyes are also common. Though Pinkeye can be irritating, it very rarely affects a person’s ability to see. Often the infection can start in one eye and spread to the other. Treatment can help ease the discomfort.

There are serious eye conditions that cause redness in the eyes. If you have eye pain, the feeling something is stuck in your eye, blurred vision, or light sensitivity, you need to see a medical professional immediately. Don’t think to yourself, “Oh, it’s just Pinkeye .” It could actually be a symptom of a serious underlying condition.

If you wear contact lenses:

Stop wearing them as soon as symptoms of Pinkeye begin. Do not wear contact lenses until the infection is gone. Sterilize your contacts, and clean your storage case. If you wear disposable contacts, use a new pair when your eye has cleared and it is safe to wear contacts again. Wait at least 2 days after the symptoms are gone before you wear contacts again. Not taking these precautions could lead to a new infection. If your symptoms don’t clear up, you may need to visit your eye doctor. The infection may be in some way related to your contact lenses.

Because Pinkeye is so contagious, early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent the spread of the infection. If you or your child is exhibiting signs of Pinkeye, call us at 662-282-4226 to make an appointment.