By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

PINKEYE HAS MANY CAUSES, USUALLY VERY CURABLE WITH TREATMENT

Question: My child got sent home from preschool with pinkeye. We took her to the doctor. He confirmed it was pinkeye, gave her some eye drops to use, and told her stay out of school until the eye was clear. What exactly is pinkeye, and why did she have to stay out of school? The following week her brother got pinkeye. Did he get it from her?

Answer: Pinkeye is the common term for an inflammation of the conjunctiva -- the outer clear membrane covering the eye. In medical language it is called conjunctivitis -- combining the root of “conjunctiva” with the ending “itis,” which refers to inflammation.

Many types of conjunctivitis can spread from one person to another. Millions of Americans are affected at any given time. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, allergies and chemical irritants. Common examples of the latter are contact lens products and other eye drops or eye ointments. In preschool-age children, the inflammation is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, with viral infection being the next most common cause.

This infection typically comes on suddenly, usually in just one eye. The primary symptom is a red, watery eye that may be associated with some mucus-like discharge from the corner of the eye. Frequently, the child wakes up with the eyelids “stuck shut” from the discharge. Sometimes they complain of itching and burning of the eye. Eventually, the other eye may become infected as well. While pinkeye is usually seen in children, it can occur at any age. Pinkeye can also be associated with ear infections.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. It’s a good idea to clean the eye with warm water and a soft tissue before using the medication, which will usually clear up the infection in three to five days. Viral infections will clear on their own in eight to ten days. Allergic conjunctivitis is treated by identifying and treating the underlying allergy.

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are quite contagious. The infection is easily spread though direct contact with the infected eye. For instance, a person may touch the infected eye and then touch your hand; then you touch or rub your eye. You can also acquire the bacteria or virus through the victim’s coughing or sneezing as well as through exposure to towels, washcloths and pillows he or she may have used. Putting used towels and washcloths directly into the hamper and changing the pillow case daily can reduce the spread of conjunctivitis. It’s also important for you and everyone in your family to follow good handwashing practices. That means washing your hands after any contact with your daughter or articles she may have used.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via email to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnosis and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.