Ask Your Pharmacist – Pink Eye
A CAPSULAR MOMENT by David Bodunde, Rph
PINK EYE
Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that lines the eyelid and the eyeball and medically called conjunctivitis. Any number of conditions can make the eye look pink or red and conjunctivitis can occur in any age group, but most often occurs in young children.
Pink eye epidemics often spread rapidly through classrooms and day care centers, in such settings extra precautions like frequent hand washing and use of disinfectant spray can be utilised to limit the spread of conjunctivitis.
Pink eye causes pain, itching, and redness. In some cases patients complain of foreign body sensation in the eye as well as some sensitivity to light.
Types of Conjunctivitis – There are basically three types of conjunctivitis and they differ by the way the eye feels and look:
- Viral Conjunctivitis usually affects only one eye, with minimal itching and generalized redness. There might be excessive watering and a light discharge with crusting on eyelids sometimes. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and does not respond to antibiotics. It usually does not require treatment as it usually clears up on its own in a few days or weeks.
- Allergic conjunctivitis causes itching, redness and excessive tearing in both eyes. The nose also may be stuffy, itchy or runny. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, it occurs when irritants such as allergens, dust and smoke are in the environment. Artificial tears may dilute irritants in the eye’s tear film, and antihistamine allergy pills or eye drops also may help control symptoms
- Bacterial conjunctivitis often spreads to both eyes and causes a heavy discharge, sometimes greenish. Crusting may appear on eyelids. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious and needs to be treated with antibiotics and typically runs its course in ten to fourteen days. Daycare or schools may ask that an infected child be kept at home until symptoms disappear.
Conjunctivitis is a common and easily treatable problem, which generally has no lasting effects and is not sight-threatening
Treatment
Non-drug treatments
- The patient, family and other care providers should avoid direct hand –to-eye contact to prevent contamination, also proper hand washing techniques should be employed
- Gently wiping the eyelids stuck together with a warm compress can be soothing and helps the eye flush out invading bacteria.
- The eye can be irrigated with sterile saline or a commercial eye wash product to remove eye secretions
- Patients that wear contact lenses should take them out and see a physician
OTC treatments
In adults cases of bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with Polysporin eye drops as well as the ointment. Treatment is continued for 2 days after symptoms have resolved. If there is no improvement within 48 hours then a patient needs to see a physician.
All children with conjunctivitis should see a physician.
There is currently a homeopathic eye preparation that contains belladonna. This should not be used for bacterial or viral conjunctivitis.
How to prevent a pink eye outbreak:
- Wash your hands frequently and encourage children to do the same
- Never allow personal items, including hand towels, to be shared at school or at home.
- Encourage children to use tissues and cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze or cough.
- Discourage eye rubbing and touching to avoid spread of bacteria and viruses. Use antiseptic solutions constantly to wipe common toys, table tops, drinking fountains, faucet handle, etc.
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To speak with David Bodunde, Rph in person, visit the Manitouwadge Pharmacy, Unit 2, Hallmarket Square in Manitouwadge or call 826.3888
The opinions expressed on OntarioNewsNorth.com and by David Bodunde,Rph are published for educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as a diagnosis, treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a local physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns.
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