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EAR – NOSE – THROAT

Pink Eye

What is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is redness and swelling of the lining of your eye's surface (the conjunctiva).The conjunctiva is like a little clear skin that covers your eyeball. When the conjunctiva gets angry or infected, we call this conjunctivitis. Pink eye is quite common and in most cases not serious. Many cases of pink eye will go away on their own without any medical treatment. 

Causes of Pink Eye

  • Allergies (usually causes pink eye in BOTH eyes) 

  • Dry eyes 

  • Exposure to chemicals, smoke or fumes 

  • Bacterial or viral infections 

Allergic Pink Eye

This is caused by exposure to things you are allergic to (allergens). Allergic pink eye is usually in BOTH eyes. The whites of the eyes will look red and the eyes may seem swollen. Allergic pink eye can cause lots of itching and watering of the eyes. It is not usually associated with goopy discharge however.  

 

Allergic pink eye can be treated at home with over the counter eye drops. Your pharmacist can help you pick the right kind if you aren't sure. You can also take some antihistamine medication to help fight the allergen that has triggered your pink eye. The most important thing you can do is avoid what you are allergic to.

Viral Pink Eye

A lot of cases of pink eye are caused by viruses – the same viruses that cause colds. Like allergic pink eye, viral pink eye is usually in BOTH eyes. Symptoms of viral pink eye include: 

 

  • Redness of the white part of your eyes 

  • Itching and burning of the eyes 

  • Watery eyes 

  • Swollen eye lids 

  • Thick discharge from the eyes that is usually clear or white 

 

Viral pink eye will usually run it's course – it will go away on it's own without medical treatment. Over the counter drops and cold medication can be helpful.  

 

See a doctor if your pink eye doesn't seem to be going away or if it is associated with pain or changes to your vision.

Bacterial Pink Eye

You can also get bacterial infections in your eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often seen in just one eye but can also be seen in both eyes, especially if you spread the bacteria by rubbing your eye and not washing your hands. Symptoms of bacterial pink eye include: 

 

  • Redness of the white part of your eye 

  • Itching and burning of the eyes 

  • Watery eyes 

  • Swollen eye lids that make your eye look droopy 

  • Thick discharge from the eyes that is green or yellow; it may be quite goopy and cause your eyelashes to stick together 

  • Mild pain 

 

Treatment of bacterial pink eye usually includes antibiotic eye drops or ointment. If you live in Ontario, your local pharmacist can prescribe this to you. Otherwise you will need to see a doctor or nurse practioner for a prescription. 

Care of Your Eyes When you Have Pink Eye

There are plenty of things you can do at home to settle the symptoms of pink eye.  

 

  • Contact lenses: Take them out! Clean them thoroughly and clean your contact case as well. You can probably start wearing your contacts again about a week after all of your symptoms resolve. 

  • Compresses: cold or warm compresses can feel very soothing on your eyes. Just a wet washcloth held over your eyes will do. Remember not to use the same washcloth more than once and do not share your washcloth – you might spread the infection if it is bacterial. Wash your hands afterwards as well. 

  • Cleaning your eye(s): wipe from the inside (next to your nose) to outside (near your ear). If you are using a washcloth, put it in the laundry right away so nobody else uses it. Wash your hands after you've cleaned your eyes. 

Tips for Preventing Pink Eye

  • Wash your hands often, especially after you've touched your face or eyes 

  • Do not share facecloths or towels 

  • Do not share eye drops or ointment 

  • Wear gloves if you are helping someone else put medicine in their eyes 

  • Do not share eye make-up 

  • If you have pink eye, do not use make-up until it is resolved 

  • If you had bacterial pink eye, throw away your eye make-up and replace it with new make-up (it might be contaminated) 

  • Wear safety goggles if you are working with chemicals or are being exposed to fumes or smoke 

When to See a Doctor

  • You have pain in your eye(s) 

  • There is a change in your vision 

  • There is a possibility of a foreign body in your eye 

  • Your eyes become sensitive to light 

  • Symptoms are becoming more severe or frequent 

  • Your symptoms are not going away after a few days of over the counter or pharmacist-prescribed treatment 

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