How to Treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is an infection of the eye that can be caused by a virus or a bacteria. Most cases of conjunctivitis are annoying and may even cause some blurred vision. However, conjunctivitis is simple to treat, yet very contagious. Once a member of the family gets conjunctivitis it is important to be dilgent about care and handwashing to prevent it from spreading to others. Here are some additional tips for preventing and treating pink eye.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Mirror
• Tissue
• Light source (flashlight or good overhead lighting)

1. Conjunctivitis may cause a redness and weeping of the infected eye(s). Many people first suspect an eye infection when they notice a film over the infected eye(s) and some "stickiness" when opening the eyelid. It may also feel like there is a grain of sand or other gritty material in your eye.
   
   
   
   Examine your eyes in a mirror with a good light source and check for any clear or colored discharge, redness of the white of the eye (the sclera) and tearing.
   
   Gently pull dowm the lower eye lid and examine that part of the eye also.
   
   Wipe away anydischarge with a tissue and discaade in the trash. Wash hands carefully once your have examined your eye since conjuntivitis is very contagious.
2. Conjunctivitis that has a thin watery and clearish discharge is typically associated with a viral infection. Viral conjunctivitis can be self-limiting and treated at home with cool compresses, hand washing and regular self exam.
   
   
   
   Eye infections that have a colored, foul-smelling or “creamy” discharge are usually the result of a bacterial infection. You will need to see your nurse practitioner (NP) or physician (MD, DO) for additional diagnosis and treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis will most likely require a specially formulated antibiotic lotion or cream for eye infections. Over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointments and creams will not be effective and may actually lead to serious eye damage.
3. If you are diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis take the medication prescribed. Usually eye (or ocular) antibiotics need to be placed directly on the eye several times a day. Simple blinking after instilling the medication will aid with distributing the medication over the eye. Always wash your hands before and after putting in any eye medications.
   
   
   
   Also, note that once eye medications are used by one person they should never be “shared” with other people who may develop conjunctivitis. The medication will become contaminated with your infectious strain and can be passed on to another user of that medication. It is wise to simply throw out any unused eye medications once the infection is resolved, to prevent any medical problems.
4. Never patch an eye diagnosed with conjunctivitis unless specially instructed to do so by your NP or MD. Patching can lead to increased eye irritation, infection and even additional damage to your vision.
5. Typical conjunctivitis is usually a fairly annoying, but minor infection. However, any blurred vision or other visual problems should be reported to your NP or MD immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Any medical information gathered from the Internet should be reviewed with your NP or MD before implanting any suggested treatments.