Pink Eye Research
Pink Eye or conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva ordinarily from bacteria, an allergy or virus. This is a condition that is common for all age groups. The conjunctiva is a lining in the back of the eyelid that protects the eye from dust and other particles. However, chemicals and other irritants can also affect the conjunctiva itself. When the conjunctiva is infected, it produces an itch and redness on the eye. Symptoms of pink eye are sandy and a scratchy feeling with possible light sensitivity, blood shot eyes, and a discharge that could be thick and white in a bacterial infection or clear in a viral infection. A doctor should be consulted for a diagnosis as the same symptoms could be in other conditions. A doctor's examination will provide a positive identification that is necessary for proper treatment.
After the doctor makes sure of the cause, treatment begins with bathing the eyes with water to keep the eyes clean and free from the discharge. Antibiotic eye drops are usually given if it is a bacterial infection. The doctor may have to take a sample of the discharge to get a laboratory examination in order to get the most effective antibiotic for the bacteria involved. The doctor must have all information of the patient with reference to any other medication that is taken by the person as well as all other medical problems the patient may have to make sure the treatment will not have conflict with other medication or conditions. Pink eye is extremely contagious so the patient must be strict about proper hygiene by keeping hands washed and disposal of all materials used in the care so that there will be no danger of infection to other people. If the infection is in one eye, care must be taken to not infect the clean eye with any item that has been used on the infected eye. The infection could go away in a few weeks or could continue for an indefinite time.
