Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin clear layer covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It is usually caused by a virus, bacteria or allergy and makes the eye red, watery or sticky. Infectious conjunctivitis spreads easily, especially among children. It is usually mild and gets better in 1 to 2 weeks, but a painful red eye with poor vision needs urgent care.
Symptoms
- Red or pink eye
- Watery eyes or sticky yellow or green discharge
- Eyelids stuck together in the morning
- Gritty or itchy feeling in the eye
- Swollen eyelids
- Itching and sneezing when it is caused by allergy
Causes
- Viruses, often with a cold
- Bacteria
- Allergy to dust, pollen or animal hair
- Smoke, dust or chemicals in the eye
- In newborns, infection passed from the mother during birth
Prevention
- Wash hands often and do not rub your eyes
- Do not share towels, pillows or eye make-up (surma) applicators
- Wash the face of children every day with clean water
- Wear glasses or goggles against dust and wind
- Stay away from known allergy triggers
Treatment
- Clean the eyelids gently with cooled boiled water and a clean cloth
- Viral conjunctivitis usually gets better on its own in 1 to 2 weeks
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointment from a doctor for bacterial infection
- Antihistamine eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis
- Do not use steroid eye drops or someone else's eye drops without a doctor
Common questions
Should I put breast milk, tea or surma in a red eye?
No. These can carry germs and make the infection worse. Clean the eye with cooled boiled water and use only eye drops a health worker advises.
Can my child go to school with pink eye?
If the eye is very sticky or watery, it is best to keep the child home for a few days and teach them to wash their hands often to avoid spreading it.