what is pink eye?

Question

what r some symptoms, and how can u get rid of it? also...is there anything like pink eye, but not pink eye?

also...do i NEED to take medicine to get rid of it?

Answer 1

Pink eye is very contagious. The eyes are very red, itchy and weepy with a crusty substance.

If you only have it in one eye, don't rub it and touch the other eye. This causes the infection to move to the clear eye. Use separate, clean towels until you are over the pink eye.

The only way to get rid of pink eye is see a doctor for a prescription.

Answer 2

WHAT IS PINK EYE AND WHAT CAUSES IT?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis (from "conjunctiva" which means the eyelid), is inflammation or infection of the membrane lining the eyelids. Pink eye refers to a viral or bacterial infection. These infections are very contagious. There are many causes of pink eye. The most common cause of pink eye is viruses. You can develop pink eye from a common cold or sinus infection. Other causes are allergies, bacteria, chemical exposure, and contact lenses. (So, yes, in a way, there are many things that share symptoms with what we think of as the more severe/contagious Pink Eye but aren't the type needing medical care beyond what you can provide at home. Eyes CAN become quite red and irritated but not be contagious.)

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
* Increased tearing
* Eye pain
* Redness in the eyes
* Gritty feeling in the eyes
* Itching of the eye
* Blurred vision
* Sensitivity to light
* Crusts that form on the eyelid overnight matting the eyelashes

HOW IS IT TREATED?
Medication, usually eye drops, is effective for pink eye and will help prevent bacterial conjunctivitis. MOST INFECTIONS WILL EVEN RESOLVE ON THEIR OWN. Eye drops should be inserted in the inner part of the lower eyelid. The discomfort with pink eye can be soothed by applying warm compresses (a clean cloth soaked in warm water) to closed eyes. Eye secretions are contagious for 24 to 48 hours after therapy begins.

REASONS TO CALL THE HEALTH CENTER
* Severe eye pain
* Decreased vision
* No improvement in 24 to 48 hours
* Discharge (drainage) from the eye.

THINGS THAT MAY HELP PREVENT PINK EYE
* Keep hands away from the eye
* Wash the hands frequently
* Change pillowcases frequently
* Replace eye cosmetics regularly
* Do not share eye cosmetics
* Do not share towels or handkerchiefs
* Proper use and care of contact lenses. Throw away current pair of contact lenses and after symptoms are gone, use a new pair of contacts.

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an infection of the conjunctiva (the outer-most layer of the eye that covers the sclera). The three most common types of conjunctivitis are: viral, allergic, and bacterial. Each requires different treatments. With the exception of the allergic type, conjunctivitis is typically contagious.



The viral type is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection, cold, or sore throat. The allergic type occurs more frequently among those with allergic conditions. When related to allergies, the symptoms are often seasonal. Allergic conjunctivitis may also be caused by intolerance to substances such as cosmetics, perfume, or drugs. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. The severity of the infection depends on the type of bacteria involved.



Signs and Symptoms



Viral conjunctivitis

· Watery discharge

· Irritation

· Red eye

· Infection usually begins with one eye, but may spread easily to the fellow eye



Allergic conjunctivitis

· Usually affects both eyes

· Itching

· Tearing

· Swollen eyelids



Bacterial conjunctivitis

· Stringy discharge that may cause the lids to stick together, especially after sleeping

· Swelling of the conjunctiva

· Redness

· Tearing

· Irritation and/or a gritty feeling

· Usually affects only one eye, but may spread easily to the fellow eye



Diagnosis



Conjunctivitis is diagnosed during a routine eye exam using a slit lamp microscope. In some cases, cultures are taken to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection.



Treatment


Conjunctivitis requires medical attention. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the problem.



For the allergic type, cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. Some patients with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid drops.



Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments that cover a broad range of bacteria.



Like the common cold, there is no cure for viral conjunctivitis; however, the symptoms can be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tears (found in most pharmacies). For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves within 3 weeks.



To avoid spreading infection, take these simple steps:

· Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs and counters with diluted bleach solution

· Don’t swim (some bacteria can be spread in the water)

· Avoid touching the face

· Wash hands frequently

· Don’t share towels or washcloths

· Do not reuse handkerchiefs (using a tissue is best)

· Avoid shaking hands

Answer 4

pink eye is an infection in the eyes,it can be in 1 or both.Some symptoms are red itchy watery eyes.they can burn some,if the infection is well progressed then there can be some drainage that looks like sleep kind os yellowish,but you will deffently see the red streaks in them,and they can swell some to.Yes you have to have a prescription antibiotic drop to put in you eyes 3-4 times a day to clear it up.Hope this helps good luck

Answer 5

medicine gets rid of it. Its a disease that makes you have a pink eye. FLu like symtoms

Answer 6

flow see your well-being practitioner or eye well-being practitioner. ASAP! additionally do no longer touch them and touch something without washing your hands. purple Eye is amazingly, VERY contagious. when you flow to the well-being practitioner and get meds., be sure which you wash something that your face has touched in view which you got here down with it. mattress sheets, pillowcase, wash textile and towel. Spray your settee, automobile headrest with something this is antibacterial/antimicrobial. which will kill any variety of micro organism this is on something which you have have been given touched and could shop from you or somebody which you have have been given are available touch with from getting it.

Answer 7

swelling of the eyes, severe stinging some discharge, very contagious, if you touched someones hand who had pink eye and they didnt wash there hands and then you touch your eyes, boom, you got pink eye.

Answer 8

viral disease of horses, symptoms of which include fever, abortion, and redness of the eyes.
in humans its usually the conjunctivitis