My daughter has conjunctivitis or "pink eye"; is it dangerous?

Conjunctivitis describes an inflammation of the outer lining of the eye. This condition is more commonly referred to as "red" or "pink" eye.

The white portion of the eye, the sclera, is covered by a thin membrane called the conjunctiva. This lining produces mucus to wash and lubricate the surface of the eye. The conjunctiva normally has very small, thin blood vessels within it, which are barely visible. However, when the conjunctiva is irritated, the blood vessels enlarge. They are much more prominent, giving the eye its red color.

The most common cause of conjunctivitis are infection, allergy, and external irritants. All of these conditions irritate and inflame the conjunctiva.

Infectious conjunctivitis can be caused by either bacteria or viruses. Regardless of the source, infectious conjunctivitis is very contagious. Frequent hand washing is important, and family members should avoid contact with the patient's tears. This includes avoiding contact with any handkerchiefs, tissues, or towels used by the patient.

Bacterial conjunctivitis typically causes an inflamed eye that drains a large amount of pus. However, if the infection is chronic, little or no discharge may be evident. The patient may only experience some crusting of the eyelid and lashes in the morning.

Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a red eye with watery discharge lasting from one to two weeks. Common symptoms, including a sore throat and runny nose, may also be present.

Conjunctivitis caused by an allergy also produces drainage from the eye. Some allergies, such as hay fever, produce the reddened eye along with significant itching. Other allergies result only in chronic redness of the eye.

External irritants, including smoke or fumes, can produce the red, inflamed eye similar to that produced by allergy or infection. Dryness of the eye will compound the irritation of conjunctivitis regardless of the source of the problem.

At Premier Vision, we suggest that you be evaluated by an eye doctor whenever red eyes occur. There are several eye diseases which produce reddened eyes and can easily be confused with conjunctivitis. However, these diseases can lead to more serious eye problems if not diagnosed and treated early. Further evaluation is especially important if you are experiencing pain, blurred vision or sensitivity to light in addition to the inflamed appearance of the eye. These symptoms do not usually occur with conjunctivitis, and may suggest an inflammation of the inner eye, an ulcer of the eye or glaucoma.

The treatment of conjunctivitis is directly related to the cause of your condition. If infection is suspected, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed. Removal of the patient from the presence of irritation or allergy-producing stimulants may be required.

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