Conjunctivitis; 
Viral & Bacterial Infections and Allergy Eyes

Patients coming to see me with a red eye are usually assuming they have Pink Eye.  Classically speaking, only highly contagious viral infections are considered pink eye.  However, to the public and some health care providers any red eye caused by a virus or bacteria is considered "pink eye." 

The following are some general guidelines on the different types of common red eyes:

Signs of a Bacterial Infection
bright red color (white part of the eye)
usually both eyes are affected
thick mucous discharge (usually yellow or green) - not watery
eyes pasted shut in the morning upon awakening
sensitivity to bright light
TREATMENT: ANTIBIOTIC EYE DROPS

Signs of a Viral Infection
pinkish in color
usually affects one eye
excessive watery discharge (clear)
lymph glands may be tender (under jaw and/or in front of ear)
sensitivity to bright light
can be very contagious
TREATMENT: COLD COMPRESSES, DECONGESTANTS LIKE "NAPHCON A" FROM ALCON (OTC) TO HELP WITH REDNESS.  Viral infections are self-limiting - they go away on their own, much like the common cold, so antibiotics are seldom prescribed.

Allergic Reactions
ITCHING
affects both eyes
pinkish color
excessive tearing
post nasal drainage or drip
TREATMENT: COLD COMPRESSES, REMOVAL OF ALLERGY SOURCE, TOPICAL AND/OR ORAL ANTIHISTAMINES LIKE BENADRYL, PATANOL DROPS

Avoiding Eye Infections
Your first line of defense is to avoid the cause of conjunctivitis. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis spread easily to others. Here are some tips to avoid spreading the conditions or re-infecting yourself:

• Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.

• Don't share washcloths, towels or pillowcases with anyone.  Wash these items after each use.

• Don't share eye drops or cosmetics such as eyeliner, eye shadow or mascara. Replace them after you're treated to avoid another infection.

• If you are a contact lens wearer, replace your contact lens case frequently and always replace it after a bout with an eye infection.  Replace the solution in your case daily!  Don't use the same solution for days or weeks.  Don't store your contacts in saline solution; store them in the disinfection solution that your doctor recommended to you.

• Your eye doctor may recommend that you discontinue contact lens wear during this time or replace your contact lenses after your treatment is completed.

 ~RQ