Conjunctivitis also called pink eye or madras eye refers to inflammation of the

conjunctiva the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It

is most commonly due to an infection, usually viral, but sometimes bacterial or

an allergic reaction.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: • red eye (hyperaemia) • irritation (chemosis) • watering (epiphora) of the eyes TREATMENT: • cool water poured over the face

with the head inclined downward constricts capillaries, and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines may be prescribed. Persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid drops.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: • often associated with an

infection of the upper respiratory tract

• watery discharge • variable itch TREATMENT: • symptomatic relief may be

achieved with cold compresses and artificial tears. People are often advised to avoid touching their eyes or sharing towels and washcloths

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: • grittiness/irritation • stringy, opaque, greyish or yellowish

mucopurulent discharge • severe crusting of the infected eye

and the surrounding skin TREATMENT: • Antibiotics, eye drops, or ointment

are thus only needed if no improvement is observed after 3 days. In patients receiving no antibiotics recovery was in 4.8 days, immediate antibiotics 3.3 days, delayed antibiotics 3.9 days. No serious effects were noted either with or without treatment.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with the secretions from an infected eye, or contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with these secretions. The virus or bacteria can be transmitted when an infected person touches their eye and then touches another surface. Symptoms tend to develop one to three days after transmission occurs.

A person can spread conjunctivitis during the course of active infection. Depending upon the cause of the infection, communicability may be longer, i.e. up to 14 days after onset. It is infectious while there is discharge.

Everyone is susceptible to infection and repeated attacks due to the same or different bacteria are possible. Maternal infection does not confer immunity to the child.

• Practicing good hygiene is the best way to control the spread of pink eye.

• Avoid touching your eyes or the area near your eyes with your hands.

• Wash your hands regularly with disinfectants. • Don't share washcloths, towels or pillowcases with

anyone else, and wash these items after each use. • Disinfecting surfaces like counter tops, sinks, and

door knobs can also help prevent the spread of infectious pink eye.

Conjunctivitis due to bacterial infection may be difficult to distinguish clinically from allergic or viral conjunctivitis or that due to physical irritation. Therefore, empirical antibiotic therapy is often used. Patients with significant eye pain, loss of vision or photophobia require immediate referral to an ophthalmologist.

In mild cases propamidine eye drops are the usual treatment. In moderate and severe cases a combination of treatments may be used. Consult the current version of Therapeutic guidelines: antibiotic (Therapeutic Guidelines Limited). An eye ointment may be used at bedtime. Soiled articles should be discarded or disinfected. Rigorous hand washing before and after eye examinations and toilets is important in preventing further transmission. Children should not attend school and child care settings until discharge from the eyes has ceased.

the EYE is the WINDOW to the SOUL; so keep it

HEALTHY.