• Pink Eye

     The cause of pink eye is commonly a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction or — in newborns — an incompletely opened tear duct. Though the inflammation of pink eye makes it an irritating condition, it rarely affects your sight. If you suspect pink eye, you can take steps to ease your discomfort. But because pink eye can be contagious, early diagnosis and treatment is best to help limit its spread.

    The most common pink eye symptoms include:
    • Redness in one or both eyes Itchiness in one or both eyes
    • A gritty feeling in one or both eyes
    • A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night
    • Tearing
    Pink eye may make you feel as if you've got something in one or both of your eyes that you just can't remove. When you wake up in the morning, your eyes may seem to be pasted shut from the discharge coming from your eyes.

    Treatment
    Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops as pink eye treatment, and the infection should clear within several days. Antibiotic eye ointment, in place of eyedrops, is sometimes prescribed for treating bacterial pink eye in children.

    Prevention
    Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of pink eye. Once the infection has been diagnosed, follow these steps:
    • Don't touch your eyes with your hands.
    • Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
    • Change your towel and washcloth daily, and don't share them with others.
    • Change your pillowcase often.
    • Discard eye cosmetics, particularly mascara.
    • Don't use anyone else's eye cosmetics or personal eye-care items.
    • Follow your eye doctor's instructions on proper contact lens care.
    If your child is infected, avoid close contact with other children. Bremerton School District sends children with conjunctivitis home, and will lask that your child receive at least one full day of treatment before returning.
     
Last Modified on June 28, 2011