I Have Pink Eye (Please Read)?

Question

I woke up this morning with pink eye, and I have 2 questions:

1.What is pink eye? (Other than the obvious pink in the eye)

2.What causes pink eye?

3.How do you get rid of it?

Thanks in advance! :P

Answer 1

Pink eye can show up when you least expect it, and it is very contagious. There is more than one type of pink eye, and how you treat it depends on the type. If it is bacterial you need antibiotic ointment or drops. There is no particular treatment for viral pink eye. If it is an allergy that is causing your difficulty you may need anti-inflammatory medication or antihistamines. Frequent hand washing is crucial to prevent spreading the virus or bacteria, depending on which type you have.   There is also something called CLARE, or contact lens induced acute red eye. Sleeping in contacts makes the eye more susceptible to inflammation/infection.

This link gives basic information about pink eye. Best of luck.

Answer 2

try eyedrops because your eye is irretated

Answer 3

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is an inflammation of the outer lining of the eye. Conjunctivitis is frequently caused by infectious agents, either viruses or bacteria. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by an allergy problem or by exposure to chemicals that irritate the eye. Anyone can get conjunctivitis, but family members and close friends of someone with infectious conjunctivitis are at increased risk.

How do you get it?

In infectious conjunctivitis, the fluids from an infected person's eyes are highly contagious. Therefore, it can be passed from person-to-person via contaminated fingers, clothes, towels, and through items such as eye makeup and sunglasses.

Answer 4

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is redness and inflammation of the membranes (conjuctiva) covering the whites of the eyes and the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents, as well as to underlying diseases within the body. Viral and bacterial forms of conjunctivitis are common in childhood, but they can occur in people of any age. Overall however, there are many causes of pink eye. These can be classified as either infectious or noninfectious.

The leading cause of a red, inflamed eye is virus infection. A number of different viruses can be responsible for the infection. Viral pink eye symptoms are usually associated with more of a watery discharge that is not green or yellow in color. Often, viral "cold-like" symptoms, such as sinus congestion and runny nose, are also present. The eyelids may be swollen. Sometimes looking at bright lights is painful. While viral pink eye may not require an antibiotic, those affected should see a doctor, as occasionally this form of pink eye can be associated with infection of the cornea (the clear portion of the front of the eyeball). This infection must be correctly detected and treated. Viral pink eye is highly contagious. Viral pink eye usually resolves in seven to 10 days after symptoms appear.

The bacteria that most commonly cause infectious pink eye are staphylococci, pneumococci, and streptococci. Bacterial pink eye symptoms include

eye pain,

swelling,

redness, and

a moderate to large amount of discharge, usually yellow or greenish in color.

The discharge commonly accumulates after sleeping. Affected children may awaken most unhappy that their "eyes are stuck shut," requiring a warm washcloth applied to the eyes to remove the discharge. Bacterial pink eye is treated by repeated warm washcloths applied to the eyes (try applying these to your child's eye one eye at a time during a favorite video) and requires antibiotic eyedrops or ointment prescribed by the doctor.

Allergic pink eye symptoms and signs are usually accompanied by intense itching, tearing, and swelling of the eye membranes. Frequent causes include seasonal pollens, animal dander, and dust. It is frequently seasonal and accompanied by other typical "allergy" symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose, or scratchy throat. Cold, moist washcloths applied to the eyes and over-the-counter decongestant eyedrops can provide relief. Your doctor can prescribe stronger medications if these remedies are not adequate.

Chemical pink eye

Chemical pink eye can result when any irritating substance enters the eyes. Common offending irritants are

household cleaners,

sprays of any kind,

smoke,

smog, and

industrial pollutants.

Prompt, thorough washing of the eyes with very large amounts of water is very important if an irritating substance enters the eye. Your doctor or your local poison control center should be contacted at once, even if you think the irritant or chemical is "safe," as some of the most common household products like bleach and furniture polish can be very damaging.

Underlying diseases

Persistent pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be a sign of an underlying illness in the body. Most often these are rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Conjunctivitis is also seen in Kawasaki's disease (a rare disease associated with fever in infants and young children) and certain inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Subconjuctival hemorrhage

Bright redness of the whites of the eyes can also occur when the tiny blood vessels covering the whites of the eyes rupture from trauma or changes in pressure within the head (for example, after forceful laughing or vomiting, when diving under water, or even bending upside down). This condition is called subconjunctival hemorrhage, and while it can appear impressive, it is generally harmless. It causes a local area of the white portion of the eye (the sclera) to become brilliantly reddened. It does not typically involve the colored portion of the eye (the iris) and does not affect vision.

Infectious forms of pink eye are highly contagious and are spread by direct contact with infected people. If you or your child has infectious pink eye, avoid touching the eye area and wash your hands frequently, particularly after applying medications to the eye area. Never share towels or handkerchiefs, and throw away tissues after each use. Disinfecting surfaces like countertops, sinks, and doorknobs can also help prevent the spread of infectious pink eye.

While there are no over-the-counter (OTC) products to cure conjunctivitis (pinkeye) caused by a bacterial or viral infection, there are some over-the-counter products that can relieve the symptoms of pinkeye caused by allergy or irritation.

Because certain types of pinkeye can be highly contagious, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause and discuss the appropriate treatment. (In addition, if you are experiencing these symptoms, be sure to avoid touching your eyes. And, to prevent spreading infectious pinkeye, always wash your hands with warm soapy water; dry off with your own towel. Do not share your towel with anyone.)

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are prescribed for a bacterial infection. Make sure you follow the directions to the letter, and use the medication for as long as prescribed. Stopping the treatment early can make the bacteria resistant, and the infection will become harder to treat.

A homeopathic treatment for symptoms that is available over the counter is Similasan's Active Response Formula™, which works by stimulating the eye's natural ability to relieve the redness, watery discharge, and burning associated with viral and environmental conjunctivitis.

There is no treatment for pinkeye due to a viral infection. It will clear up on its own within seven to 10 days. Placing warm compresses on your eyes may help with the itching.

OTC decongestant eye drops such as naphazoline ophthalmic (for example, the brand-name products Allerest Eye Drops® or Clear Eyes®) can help get rid of the redness of bacterial conjunctivitis, but not the infection.

I hope this was helpful,Take Care!!! :)