Eye Spy Pink Eye

You probably have heard or used the term “pink eye,” pink eye is just a slang term for conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of conjunctiva or the outer most transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. It is typically associated with eye redness, watery eyes, itchiness, and mucus drainage. This condition can be contagious and very common amongst children and adults. Symptoms can occur in one eye and then move to the other, or both eyes at the same time.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or an allergy. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish the cause of conjunctivitis. Typically, bacterial infections cause constant mucus or pus drainage throughout the day and crusting of the eyes whereas for viral infections the mucus drainage accumulates in the mornings or after sleeping and might be accompanied with cold symptoms. This occurs because during sleep we are not blinking our eyes as often. Blinking is a way for irritants such as dust or mucus to be cleared. Eye inflammation caused by allergies may present with itchiness, increased redness, watery eyes, puffy eyelids, and are often accompanied with allergy symptoms including sneezing and runny nose.  Bacterial infections require antibiotic treatment to prevent spread to others.

If you suspect your child may have a form of conjunctivitis, give our office a call or send us a text with your child’s name and date of birth at 844-904-7384 to request a secure link to send a photo your child’s eye and associated symptoms so we can help determine the cause and necessary treatment.