Pink eye FAQ

pink eye FAQs

What is pink eye?

Pink eye also known as "acute conjunctivitis" is an inflammation of the inside lining of the eye.

What causes pink eye?

The main causes of a red or inflamed eye are infections caused by viruses or bacteria; with viruses being the most common cause.

Who gets pink eye?

Children get pink eye most often but anyone of any age can be affected.

What are the symptoms of pink eye?

The viral form of pink eye causes the eye to become red and watery. A discharge from the eye, swollen eyelids or blurred vision may also be noticed.

Is pink eye contagious?

Yes, pink eye is highly contagious spreading easily through many of our most common daily activities. The bacterial form of pink eye stops being contagious after 1-2 days of taking antibiotics. The viral form of pink eye can remain contagious until the eyes are no longer red or producing tears.

Is there a test to determine if the pink eye is viral?

Yes, the FDA-cleared a point-of-care test, AdenoPlusTM. This in-office test detects the viral form of pink eye. In ten minutes the test helps physicians accurately diagnosis and treat pink eye.

How is pink eye treated?

Viral pink eye does not have an FDA-cleared drug treatment at this time. Make sure to always follow your physician's guidelines for treatment. Common recommendations are: ? Apply a cool compress to the infected eye 3-4 times a day and for 10 minutes, and make sure to use a clean washcloth

each time ? Wash your hands frequently and try to keep your hands away from the eye area ? Use artificial tears ? Use over-the-counter antihistamine drops ? Use a clean pillowcase each night ? Throw away contact lenses that have been worn while infected

pink eye FAQs

Does the cause of pink eye make a difference in the treatment?

Yes. With pink eye caused by bacteria the infection should be treated with antibiotics. If the pink eye is caused by a virus the infection should not be treated with antibiotics, as antibiotics are not effective at treating viral conditions.

Why is it harmful to take antibiotics that are not really needed?

The human body builds up a resistance to antibiotics and that can make the drugs less effective when your body really needs them. The symptoms can remain longer because the infection is not being properly treated. This can cause more serious short-term and permanent problems including light sensitivity, loss of sensation, and vision loss.

When is it okay to return to daycare, school, or work with pink eye?

With bacterial pink eye you can usually return to public places 24 hours after taking antibiotics. With viral pink eye the contagious period may last as long as the symptoms since antibiotics are ineffective at treating this form of pink eye. Make sure to check with your physician for their recommendation to return to daycare, school, or work.

How can pink eye be prevented?

The best precautions are frequent hand washing and avoiding any contaminated items used by someone that is contagious like: towels, pillowcases, eye drops, and cosmetics.

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