Pink Eye is the colloquial name for Conjunctivitis, an infection to the eye in both humans and live stock which leads to inflammation of the outer layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Inflammation causes small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more prominent, which is what causes the pink or red cast to the whites of your eyes. While it is usually an infection, it can be caused by an allergic reaction.
The common symptoms include a watery discharge from the eye and itching and irritation which can lead to a reddish pink colour to the eye. Although the infection is extremely irritating, it rarely affects your vision. People who have conjunctivitis are encouraged not to touch or itch the infected eye as it is extremely contagious and can be easily transferred to the other eye or to other people. It is easily spread when the infection is on the hands and through contaminated objects or even water. People with the infection are also advised not to share towels, washcloths or pillows as it is often spread through these.
Conjunctivitis resolves itself in 65 per cent of cases without treatment, within two to five days. The prescribing of antibiotics to most cases is not necessary. Antibiotics, eye drops, or ointment are thus only needed if no improvement is observed after three days. In patients receiving no antibiotics, recovery was in 4.8 days, with immediate antibiotics it was 3.3 days, and with delayed antibiotics 3.9 days. No serious effects were noted either with or without treatment. Symptomatic relief may be achieved with cold compresses and artificial tears. Early treatment is advised to avoid the spread of conjunctivitis.
The common symptoms include a watery discharge from the eye and itching and irritation which can lead to a reddish pink colour to the eye. Although the infection is extremely irritating, it rarely affects your vision. People who have conjunctivitis are encouraged not to touch or itch the infected eye as it is extremely contagious and can be easily transferred to the other eye or to other people. It is easily spread when the infection is on the hands and through contaminated objects or even water. People with the infection are also advised not to share towels, washcloths or pillows as it is often spread through these.
Conjunctivitis resolves itself in 65 per cent of cases without treatment, within two to five days. The prescribing of antibiotics to most cases is not necessary. Antibiotics, eye drops, or ointment are thus only needed if no improvement is observed after three days. In patients receiving no antibiotics, recovery was in 4.8 days, with immediate antibiotics it was 3.3 days, and with delayed antibiotics 3.9 days. No serious effects were noted either with or without treatment. Symptomatic relief may be achieved with cold compresses and artificial tears. Early treatment is advised to avoid the spread of conjunctivitis.
