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What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an irritation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that lines the front of the eyeball and eyelid. In this most common of eye infections, the eyes become red and irritated and feel itchy and sting.

Conjunctivitis develops most frequently in children, often following a cold or a sore throat, but it can occur in people of all ages. It is highly contagious and sometimes can spread through an entire school.

What causes conjunctivitis?

The usual cause is a virus, bacterium, or allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis may also be brought on by irritation of the conjunctiva from wind, dust, smoke, or various air pollutants. It can be an early symptom of measles and may accompany a form of arthritis called Reiter's syndrome. It may also appear

in people who have a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. People who are exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation, such as welders, sunlamp users, and skiers, may also develop conjunctivitis.

How is conjunctivitis diagnosed and treated?

Examining the eyes and growing a laboratory culture of the eye discharge is usually sufficient to diagnose a case of conjunctivitis. The condition is commonly treated with antibiotic eyedrops or ointments rather than pills or injections, since the eyes respond best to topical medication. Not all infections respond to every antibiotic, however, so it may be necessary to try more than one medication. If the condition appears to be caused by an allergy, corticosteroid eye drops may be used.

What can I do myself?
Avoid touching your eyes, wash your hands frequently, and never share towels and washcloths, even among family members. If conjunctivitis develops, wash towels and bed linens in hot water to kill germs that may reinfect you or spread to others.

Stay away from over-the-counter products that are used

to treat eye infections, such as boric acid and yellow mercuric oxide eyedrops. These products may relieve symptoms but they do not affect the underlying cause of the problem and could result in a delay in getting professional care. Instead, use a simple sterile saline solution as an eyewash. Add one teaspoon of salt to a quart of water, boil it for 5 to 10 minutes, and allow it to cool. Then tilt your head over the sink and pour the cool water over the infected eye.

Avoid eye cups; they allow germs that are present on the outside of the eyelid to invade the eye, which can worsen the infection.

When should I see my doctor?
Consult a doctor if red, itchy, and watering eyes last more than a day or two, or if the eyes are sealed shut by a yellowish crust in the morning.

What will the doctor do?
The doctor begins by asking questions about the symptoms and possible causes. He or she then examines the eyes using a magnifying device with a strong light. Any eye discharge is examined

Redness typical of conjunctivitis

under the microscope, and a laboratory culture is grown to identify the virus or bacterium that may be causing the problem.

The course of conjunctivitis

With appropriate treatment, most cases of conjunctivitis clear up in a few days and

cause no lasting problems. Chronic conjunctivitis may come and go over the course of months or even years, particularly if the person is repeatedly exposed to the same irritants.

Overtreating a case of chronic conjunctivitis can result in sensitivity to the drugs that are used. A better approach is to avoid the cause of the irritation, provided it can be identified and eliminated without great inconvenience.

A child with viral or bacterial conjunctivitis should be kept out of school for at least the first day of treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Is conjunctivitis dangerous?
Conjunctivitis is not dangerous, but any irritation or infection of the eye can lead to more serious problems if it is not cleared up.