I have been busy.
I will have a more cheerful post tomorrow but for tonight, I post this information that hopefully you will never need.
PINK EYE (CONJUNCTIVITIS)
TWO COMMON TYPES OF PINK EYE
1. Bacterial- when the eyes are red with yellow or green drainage oozing or crusting in the eye throughout the day and night, then bacteria are usually the culprit. The eyelids may also be swollen. Affects one or both eyes.
2. Viral- when the eyes are very red, but there is no drainage, or only a small amount of drainage or crusting upon waking up, then it is probably viral conjunctivitis. Usually affects both eyes
TREATMENT
* Warm compress- hold a warm, wet washcloth against the eye and gently wipe away any drainage.
* Medication
o Antibiotic ointment or drops is the treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis only.
o Visine - these over-the-counter drops can help with redness and irritation of sore eyes, but not with bacterial conjunctivitis.
IS IT CONTAGIOUS?
It is contagious. It is spread by contact with the eye drainage or tears.
o Bacterial is no longer contagious after 36 to 48 hours of antibiotic drops.
o Viral has no treatment, except to relieve the symptoms. It can be contagious as long as the eyes are red.
WHEN TO BE ALARMED-
Pink eye is generally not serious and should improve with treatment or time. be alarmed if:
o bacterial pink eye does not improve after 5 days of treatment
o viral pink eye begins to have more drainage
o your child complains of any problems with their vision besides simple blurring from the discharge.
In this case see a doctor.
Ay....sore eyes.
X
