It's early morning and you're just about to open your eyes to start another day. But wait, what's this? Your eyelids are stuck together. You rub the crust from your lashes, look in the mirror, and find yourself face to face with eyes that are swollen, itchy, and red, and produce a clear (or yellowish) discharge. You've got conjunctivitis, or pinkeye.
Pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the underside of both the upper and lower eyelids and the covering of the white portion of the eye.
Some causes (and corresponding solutions) include:
- Allergic reaction to airborne pollens, dust, mold spores, and animal dander, or direct contact with chlorinated water or cosmetics. If you can't avoid the allergens, antihistamines can help. So can eye drops containing a vasoconstrictive agent or steroid. (Steroid preparations require a prescription.)
- Bacterial conjunctivitis, characterized by a puslike discharge. Warm compresses, along with an antibiotic ointment or drops prescribed by your physician, can help. When treated properly, bacterial conjunctivitis will clear up in two to three days.
- Viral conjunctivitis as a complication of a cold or flu. Viral conjunctivitis produces less discharge but more tearing than bacterial conjunctivitis. Antibiotics don't work, and viral conjunctivitis can take 14 to 21 days to clear up.
- Here are some ways to relieve the symptoms of pinkeye:
- Don't touch the eye area with your fingers. If you must wipe your eyes, use tissues.
- With your eyes closed, apply a washcloth soaked in warm (not hot) water to the affected eye three or four times a day for at least 5 minutes at a time. (These soaks also help to dissolve the crusty residue of pinkeye.)
- Use over-the-counter eye drops. They may soothe irritation and help relieve itching.
- Avoid wearing eye makeup until the infection has completely cleared up. (And never share makeup with others.)
- Don't cover or patch the eye; this can promote the growth of infectious organisms.
- Don't wear contact lenses while your eyes are infected.
- Wash your hands often and use your own towels. Pinkeye is very contagious and can be spread from one person to another by contaminated fingers, washcloths, or towels.
- See a doctor if there is no improvement in two or three days or your eyes become painful or sensitive to light.
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