Pink Eye

Pink eye is an inflammation of a clear thing membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the eyelids.

Pink eye can actually be triggered by many things. For example contagious forms of pink eye include infection by a virus or bacteria.  Non-contagious forms of pink eye include allergic reactions to chemicals, fumes, smoke, dust or pollen.  IN some cases pink is actually caused by a foreign body such as a contact lens irritating the membrane which causes the eye to appear pink.

People of all ages can get pink eye.  However, children tend to catch the contagious forms of pink eye (Most likely from contact with infected children at school) more often than adults

The symptoms of pink eye include the eye looking irritated (pink or red) and an itching sensation in the eye.  Sometimes even minor pain.

If you believe you may have pink eye you should contact your eye care doctor for an eye examination.  The doctor will ask some questions regarding how long you have had the condition, what allergens you have been exposed to, if anyone you know has pink eye, etc., do an examination of your eye and may also take a sample using a swab to send out for analysis.

Your eye care specialist may recommend antibiotic drops, allergy medications or compresses.  It's important that you understand that while pink eye is generally a minor eye infection, it can sometimes become a serious condition.  We highly recommend you ask your eye care specialist for an examination before attempting any form of treatment on your own.

Pink eye can be spread in many ways.  One of the most common is touching your eyes and then touching someone else's hand where they in turn touch or run their own eyes.  If you have pink eye in one eye you can actually spread it to the other simply by rubbing the infected eye and then rubbing the other.  With this in mind avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.  Also never share wash clothes and eye make up.

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Pink Eye