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Inside the Baker Street Professional Centre (formerly the Cranbrook Mall)

Inside the Baker Street Professional Centre (formerly the Cranbrook Mall)

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Home » What's New » Pink, Stinging Eyes?

Pink, Stinging Eyes?

Girl with Pink Eye in CranbrookConjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is a very common eye condition, especially in kids. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria or even allergies to pollen, chlorine in swimming pools, and ingredients in cosmetics, or other irritants, which touch the eyes. Some forms of conjunctivitis might be quite transmittable and quickly spread in school and at the office.

Conjunctivitis is seen when the thin transparent layer of tissue covering the white part of the eye, known as the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. Conjunctivitis can be identified by eye redness, discharge, itching or swollen eyelids and a crusty discharge surrounding the eyes early in the day. Pink eye comes in three main categories: viral, allergic and bacterial.

Viral pink eye is usually a result of a similar virus to what produces the recognizable red, watery eyes, sore throat and runny nose of the common cold. The symptoms of viral pink eye are likely to last from a week to two and then will clear up on their own. It is possible to reduce some of the discomfort by using soothing drops or compresses. Viral pink eye is transmittable until it is completely cleared up, maintain excellent hygiene, remove eye discharge and try to avoid using communal pillowcases or towels while symptoms persist. If your child has viral conjunctivitis, he or she will have to be kept home from school for three days to a week until symptoms disappear.

A bacterial infection such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or cream. One should notice an improvement within just a few days of antibiotic drops, but be sure to adhere to the full prescription dosage to prevent pink eye from recurring.

The allergic version of pink eye is not contagious, and is usually a result of a known allergy such as hay fever or pet allergies that sets off an allergic reaction in their eyes. First of all, to treat allergic pink eye, you should eliminate the irritant. Use cool compresses and artificial tears to relieve discomfort in mild cases. When the infection is more severe, your eye doctor might prescribe a medication such as an anti-inflammatory or antihistamine. In cases of chronic allergic pink eye, topical steroid eye drops could be used.

Pink eye should always be diagnosed by a qualified eye doctor in order to identify the type and best course of treatment. Never treat yourself! Keep in mind the sooner you begin treatment, the lower chance you have of giving pink eye to loved ones or prolonging your discomfort.