What is PINK EYE / CONJUNCTIVITIS?
- Pink eye / conjunctivitis is a general term referring to an irritation or infection of the membrane which covers the eye and the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva).
- Pink eye / conjunctivitis is quite common and involves all age groups.
- Problems with the eye can be serious, so inspection by a doctor is necessary for a correct diagnosis. 
- Pink eye / conjunctivitis typically starts in one eye and may spread to the other.
- Certain types of pink eye (Infectious conjunctivitis) are very contagious and steps must be made to avoid it's spread.
- Infectious conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Fungi, parasites, and chlamydia may also be a cause of infectious conjunctivitis.
- Noninfectious conjunctivitis is usually caused by allergies or mechanical irritants.

Symptoms of PINK EYE / CONJUNCTIVITIS
- Redness in the whites of the eye or red, swollen and irritated eyelids.
- Sandy and scratchy feeling in the eyes with possible light sensitivity.
- Tearing and/or mucus discharge from the eye or eyes.

A physician should be notified:
- if there is pain in the eye, rather than irritation or if the patient feels there is a foreign object in the eye.
- if a greenish-yellow discharge is present and does not begin to improve within 24 hours.
- if an abnormal difference between the sizes of the pupils is present or if the skin around the eye or eyelid is red.
- if the problem continues for more than three days or seems to get progressively worse.

Treatment and prevention of PINK EYE / CONJUNCTIVITIS
- Treatment depends on what is causing the pink eye / conjunctivitis and must be determined by a doctor.
- Infectious conjunctivitis spreads very easily!  To prevent spreading the infection to the good eye or to others, the infected eye should not be touched with the hands.
- It is important to wash hands thoroughly and frequently to prevent spreading.
- Make-up and handkerchiefs should not be shared with an infected person.
- Contact lenses and eye make-up should not be worn until the problem has been resolved.
- Used make-up must be thrown away if the patient has been diagnosed with infectious conjunctivitis.
- Clothes, towels, pillow cases and anything else which may have come in contact with an infected person should be washed.
- A warm compress may be helpful to relieve discomfort and removing "crust".
- Antibiotic or antiviral medication  may be prescribed by the doctor for certain types of infectious conjunctivitis.
- If eye drops or an ointment is prescribed, the applicator tip and infected eye must never come in contact with one another.  Antibiotics for the eye are available only by prescription.
- Allergens and other irritants such as smoke, which may cause allergic and mechanical conjunctivitis, should be avoided. 
- If an irritant or foreign object is causing the pink eye / conjunctivitis, flushing of the eye with an eye-wash solution may be recommended. (Specific products may be recommended by a physician or pharmacist.)
- Certain over-the-counter eye drops or oral antihistamine medications may help reduce symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis or conjunctivitis caused by certain irritants.  These are not effective for infectious conjunctivitis and should only be used to reduce symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. (Specific products may be recommended by a physician or pharmacist.)

Other Resources:
 Pink Eye

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This information is of a general nature and may not apply to your special circumstances. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician or an appropriate health care professional.  These monographs are counseling aids for healthcare professionals only and are not to be used as a reference to diagnose or treat medical conditions.          Copyright 2005 RXinsider LTD