|
|
Pinkeye - Not a Pretty SightBefore we go any further, the author needs to apologize for the image farther down on this page. Not to put too fine a point on it, that image is gross. Unfortunately, we can’t explain what pinkeye is without showing a picture of the results. Ergo, all we can do is apologize in advance to readers with weak stomachs. Take our apology as a very strong reminder not to get pinkeye.
Pinkeye, more properly called conjunctivitis, is an infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent tissue that covers the outer surface of the eyeball. It begins at the outer edges of the cornea, covers the visible part of the sclera, and lines the inside of the eyelids. It’s nourished by blood vessels so small they can barely be seen by the naked eye. The conjunctiva secretes oils and mucous that protect the eye by moistening and lubricating it in its movements. Conjunctivitis is usually caused by a virus, but it can also be a reaction to harmful bacteria. Pinkeye is most common among children, who may also contract it from allergies such as hay fever or chemical irritants such as chlorine and smoke. One child with conjunctivitis can transmit the disease to another child by touching his or her infected eye, then the other child. An adult treating the infected child may also contract it by thoughtlessly touching his or her own eye afterward. As for the symptoms, well, just look at the picture below. It starts with a painful or scratchy feeling in the eye, possibly including a discharge of watery fluid or pus. This discharge may be so pronounced that it glues the child’s eyes shut after sleep. The whites of the eyes quickly turn bright primary red. Treatment A pus discharge is more likely in cases caused by bacteria. The most common responsible bacteria are Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. In these cases, conjunctivitis should be treated like any other bacterial infection, with a combination of antibiotics and warm water compresses. The antibiotic agents may be introduced via ointment or eye drops. Hopefully, these measures will also prevent the spread of infection to others. If the infection is caused by a virus, such as an adenovirus or enterovirus, then the discharge is more likely to be watery. A simple warm water compress should be all that’s needed to augment the body’s natural antiviral defenses. The good news is conjunctivitis should not pose a permanent threat to your child’s vision. Of course, the best defense is prevention. Never allow your child to play around another child with pinkeye. Teach your children to always wash their hands before touching or wiping their eyes. Give each child his or her own towels and washcloth, as both viral and bacterial infections can spread through damp cloth. If your child has contracted conjunctivitis, keep him or her away from other children. Be mindful when treating the child; do not touch your own eyes or face after administering care. Wash your hands often. Call your pediatrician immediately to make sure the proper care is being given. The doctor will probably want to see the child in person to determine whether the infection is viral or bacterial. Treatment should only last about twenty-four hours; but in the meantime, keep the child home from school or day care to prevent spreading the disease to other children. Incidentally, conjunctivitis can also be caused by the same organisms that generate chlamydia and gonorrhea. Sexually active people are at risk, as are newborns, who contract the disease at birth from their mothers. In these cases, the infant’s eye may in fact be at permanent risk, so the disease must be treated very carefully. (Pinkeye in babies less than a month old is called neonatal conjunctivitis or ophthalmia neonatorum, and it can also be caused by a blocked tear duct.) Less common is herpes simplex infection. Finally, don’t say we didn’t warn you, but these are the results of a pinkeye infection:
|
Visit Our Lasik Directory Today |
