General Eye Care

Conjunctivitis or 'Pink Eye'

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane covering the surface of the inner eyelid and the front of the eye. The conjunctiva has many small blood vessels. It lubricates and protects the eye while the eye moves in its socket. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, this is called conjunctivitis.

Bacterial conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is very contagious and can be easily transmitted by rubbing the eye and then infecting household items such as towels or handkerchiefs. It is common for entire families to become infected. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis are red or watery eyes, inflamed eyelids, gritty or scratchy feeling in the eyes, blurred vision, watery discharge around the eyelids, and matting of the eyelids.

How can conjunctivitis be prevented?

Certain precautions can to taken to avoid the disease and stop its spread. Careful washing of the hands, the use of clean handkerchiefs, and avoiding contagious individuals are all helpful. While adults are not immune to the condition, children frequently get conjunctivitis because of their poor hygiene. Those infected should not attend work, school or participate in activities with others until the infection has cleared up.

If you or someone in your household has contracted conjunctivitis, follow these steps to prevent the spread of the infection:

• thoroughly wash your hands every time you touch your eyes or face
• do not share any clothing that could come into contact with an infected eye
• do not share towels, handkerchiefs or pillowcases
• do not share make-up or make-up applicators, if the infection is caused by bacteria or a virus, you must throw away your used make-up and applicators and purchase new products
• do not touch the infected eye because the infection will spread to the other eye
• do not share your eyewear, even something as simple as sharing one’s sunglasses can spread the infection

Diagnosing and Treatment for conjunctivitis:

Dr. Schneider will be able to diagnose conjunctivitis during an eye exam. If you suspect you have contracted the condition, please contact our office for an appointment.

Dr. Schneider may prescribe antibiotic eye drops and compresses to ease discomfort and clear up the infection. This usually only takes a few days, although in more severe cases the inflammation may not respond well to the initial treatment with eye drops. In those rare cases, a second visit to our office will be required. When there is severe infection, steroids or antibiotics may be required.. If left untreated, conjunctivitis can create serious complications such as infections in the cornea, eyelids and tear ducts.