Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membranes that line the inner surface of the eyelid and cover part of the eyeball. It is commonly known as pink eye because the most obvious symptom is reddening of the affected eye. In addition, the eye usually feels gritty and has a runny discharge. During sleep, the discharge may make the eyelids stick together. Some people also experience intense itching or sensitivity to bright light.
The most common cause of conjunctivitis is a viral infection; occasionally it is due to a bacterium. In rare cases, a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea or chlamydia can be responsible for the inflammation. Genital herpes, contracted from an infected mother during birth, can cause a severe type of conjunctivitis in a newborn. Other possible causes include chemical irritation, air pollution, the sun's ultra-violet rays, exposure to intense light, and an allergic reaction to cosmetics, pollen, or other substances.
A cold or a sore throat may accompany viral conjunctivitis, while middle ear infections are often present with the bacterial form, especially in children.
Diagnostic Studies and Procedures
The patient's own observation of the symptoms, plus a medical history and physical examination by an eye specialist, are the mainstays of diagnosis. In some cases, however, a laboratory culture of the eye discharge may be required to determine if the cause is a virus or a bacterium.
Medical Treatments
Simple viral conjunctivitis almost always clears up on its own in about a week, but since it is sometimes impossible to distinguish from the bacterial form, the doctor will probably prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. If a herpes virus is involved, anti-viral eyedrops or medication will be used. Steroid eye drops, prescribed to treat iritis and certain other eye inflammations, should not be used during a herpes infection because they can cause the infection to spread to the cornea, resulting in permanent eye damage.
Allergic conjunctivitis usually clears up when the source of the allergen is removed. In some cases, prescription antihistamines may be needed.
Alternative Therapies
When using an alternative therapy for self-treatment of the eyes, make sure that any applied substance is sterile.
Herbal Medicine. Herbalists recommend washing the eyes twice a day with weak chamomile tea that is made with boiled water and allowed to cool.
Homeopathy. Belladonna, a natural source of atropine, is sometimes used to treat red teary eyes in the initial stages of conjunctivitis. For light sensitivity and burning sensations, homeopaths recommend eyebright, an herbal remedy. However, ophthalmologists warn that this herb, which is also known as deadly nightshade, is highly toxic, and should be used only under medical supervision.
Hydrotherapy. Warm water soaks are often effective in relieving symptoms and softening and dissolving crusts on the lashes. Use a disposable gauze pad on each eye, wetting it thoroughly with warm, sterile water, to promote healing, add 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of boiled water, and use this solution to saturate the compresses.
Naturopathy. Practitioners make up a poultice of grated apple or grated raw red-skinned potato which they place over the (closed) eye once a day for about half an hour. This is said to reduce eyelid swelling and clear up simple conjunctivitis within two or I three days. They may also advocate high doses of vitamin C.
Self-Treatment
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is usually transmitted by finger contact. To avoid spreading it or reinfecting yourself, wash your hands often with an antiseptic soap, and use disposable paper towels rather than a cloth towel. Avoid touching your eyes; if you have a discharge, you can use a disposable tissue to gently wipe it away. Do not share washcloths, towels, and other such items, and make sure to launder all bath linens in hot water, with bleach added as a disinfectant.
Discard old eye makeup, and avoid using replacements until the infection is cleared up. Try hypoallergenic brands, if makeup is suspected of causing allergic conjunctivitis. Never share eye makeup with others.
Most conjunctivitis that is environmentally caused can be prevented by taking common-sense precautions. Always use a protective face mask when welding, and wear sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet rays when outdoors in bright sunlight.
Other Causes of Red Eyes
Eye redness and irritation may be caused by a sty, an infected hair follicle on the eyelid. An eyelid disorder called entropion, in which a portion of the eyelid turns inward, causes eye pain and redness. A blocked tear duct or a lack of tears also causes red eyes.