Home » Blog » Can You Recognize the Symptoms of “Pink Eye”

Posted by: South Georgia / North Florida Eye Partners in Blog

With school back in session, we anticipate an increasing number of patients with conjunctivitis, otherwise known as “pink eye.” South Georgia Eye Partners wants families, teachers and day care workers to be informed and learn to recognize the symptoms in order to avoid contracting the infection or spreading it to others.

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as “pink eye” is an inflammation or infection of the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid that covers the white part of the eye. Several factors including viral or bacterial infection, allergic reaction and certain chemicals cause a person to contract conjunctivitis.  Peaslee said that most cases they’ve seen have been viral, probably an adeno virus; however, they have not asked patients to incur the cost of laboratory diagnosis since it does not change the treatment.

The bacterial and viral forms are highly contagious, especially among children; therefore, it is important that you take note if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

• Red, very swollen, painful eyes and/or eyelids
• Watery mucus discharge
• Upper respiratory symptoms
• Fever

If experiencing symptoms, first and foremost, do everything you can to avoid spreading the infection to family members, friends and co-workers.  Actions include frequent, thorough hand washing and no sharing of towels, washcloths and pillows. Additionally, it’s a good idea for the infected person not to share a sink with others. Next, individuals should seek care from an optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as symptoms begin to manifest. Contact lenses wearers should stop wearing lenses and discard them along with cases and open bottles of solution.

Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its cause. For the particular type of conjunctivitis South Georgia Eye Partners’ physicians see most often, an antibiotic to prevent secondary infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops, anti-histamine drops, and in some cases, corticosteroid eye drops are typical treatments. In a few severe cases, patients have been placed on oral antihistaminic and oral anti-inflammatory medications.

Unfortunately, individuals are contagious before they have symptoms; therefore, it is very important to practice good hygiene to control the spreading of conjunctivitis.

• Don’t touch or rub your eyes with your hands
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently
• Change your towel or washcloth daily
• Discard eye cosmetics (particularly mascara)
• Don’t use anyone else’s eye cosmetics or personal eye care items

The worst symptoms last seven to ten days but it may take patients up to a month to completely resolve the infection. Some patients may also experience ocular sensitivity, inflammation and “dry eyes” up to three months after the infection.

South Georgia Eye Partners is dedicated to educating the public on the infection.   Additionally, strict measures are taken in the South Georgia Eye Partners offices to ensure everything is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.  Hand cleaner dispensers are placed throughout each office for patients, family members and staff to use frequently.

If not properly diagnosed and managed, complications from conjunctivitis can arise. Therefore, we recommend individuals with symptoms seek care immediately and encourage those exposed take all necessary precautions to prevent contracting the infection.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us.