Pinkeye

Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the covering of the inside of the eyelids and the whites of the eyes. The medical term for pink eye is conjunctivitis. It is called pink eye when the cause is a bacterial or viral infection. This is because the white part of the eye looks pinkish-red. Conjunctivitis can also be due to an allergic reaction.

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Questions to Ask

Question 1

With pink eye, do you have any of these problems?

• A puslike discharge with redness and irritation.

• Your vision is affected and/or your eye(s) hurt a lot.

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 2

Have you tried self-care for a week and symptoms got worse or do you get conjunctivitis often?

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Use Self-Care / Prevention:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care / Prevention

For Pink Eye

• Wash your hands often. Don’t share towels, washcloths, etc.

• Avoid contact with other people as much as you can until you have used the prescribed antibiotic eye drops, etc. for 24 hours. Follow the rules of your workplace about pink eye. For children, follow the rules of their school.

• With your eyes closed, apply a cotton ball soaked in warm (not hot) water to the affected eye 3 to 4 times a day. Do this for at least 5 minutes at a time. Use a clean cotton ball each time.

• Throw away any makeup that could be contaminated. Don’t wear eye makeup until the infection is all cleared up. Don’t share makeup with others.

• Don’t share eye drops with others.

• Don’t put a cover or patch over the eye. This can make the infection grow.

• Don’t wear contact lenses while your eyes are infected. Replace contact lenses or disinfect them twice before re-using.

For Allergic Conjunctivitis

• Avoid things you know you are allergic to.

• Use over-the-counter eye drops. These soothe irritation and help relieve itching.

• Apply a washcloth rinsed in cold water to the eyes. Do this several times a day.

• Use protective eyewear when you work with chemicals and fumes.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

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