Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and most treatable eye conditions in adults and children.  Often called “pink eye”, it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and eyeball moist. 

Viruses, bacteria, irritating substances (shampoo, dirt, chlorine, smoke), or allergens (substances that cause allergies) can all cause conjunctivitis.

Pink eye caused by bacteria or viruses can spread easily from person to person but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly; allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

It is important to find out whether your pink eye is caused by allergies or infection because each condition has different treatments.

Allergy-associated conjunctivitis may disappear completely either when the allergy is treated with antihistamines or when the allergen is removed.

To relieve symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis:

1. Remove contact lenses, if you wear them.
2. Place cold compresses on your eyes.
3. Try non-prescription artificial tears, a type of eye drop that may help relieve itching and burning. (Note: Other types of eye drops may irritate the eyes and should not be used)  Do not use the same bottle of eye drops in the other eye if it is not affected.
4. The best defense against allergic conjunctivitis is a good offense: try to avoid substances that trigger your allergies.
5. Don’t touch or rub the affected eyes.
6. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
7. Wash your bed linens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens.
8. Avoid wearing eye make-up.
9. Don’t share eye make-up with anyone else.
10. Never wear someone else’s contact lenses.
11. Wear glasses instead of contact lenses to avoid irritation.
12. Wash your hands before applying the eye drops or ointment to your eye or your child’s eye. 
13. Do not use eye drops that were used in an infected eye in a non-infected eye.