The Jamaica Star :: Health :: How to prevent Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Dear Readers,

M.F., a 17-year-old female from Spanish Town, St Catherine, asks LIFELINE what causes Pink Eye. She says she had Pink Eye earlier this year and again recently. She also asks Lifeline how to prevent contracting Pink Eye as each time she gets it she has to stay at home for several days and the eyes are red and swollen. She thinks she contracted her first episode of Pink Eye from a schoolmate but is not sure how the second episode came about. Her mother told her that she could have got the infection while riding in the bus as Pink Eye is easy to catch when living and travelling in crowded areas.

Bacterial infection

Conjunctivitis (or Pink Eye) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the transparent membrane covering the eyeball and lining the eyelid. By far the majority of cases of conjunctivitis are caused by viruses, though conjunctivitis can also be caused by a bacterial infection, irritation to the conjunctiva, or allergies to pollen, dust, feathers, etc. Viruses and bacteria can be rubbed into the eyes from a contaminated damp surface which the hand has touched, e.g. from around a swimming pool, from a handrail in a bus etc. The infection can be transmitted from one person to another.

Conjunctivitis should be suspected when the eye white turns pink or red. The eyes itch, burn, and often feel as if gravel is in them. The eyelids may swell and a yellowish discharge may be present. The eyelids tend to feel glued together when waking in the morning after a night's sleep. Most cases of conjunctivitis last five to seven days and require that the person remain home until the eyes clear.

Increases blood flow

Home treatment would consist of applying warm water compresses for ten minutes up to six times a day. The warm compresses help kill the infection organisms which are very heat sensitive and cleans away debris. It also increases blood flow to the eyes to help with healing. It is better to use cotton as the compress material as this is easily discarded after use. If a cloth is used it should be washed with chlorine and detergent and rinsed thoroughly after each use. The hands should also be washed properly before and after each treatment. Most individuals however, tend to go directly to their doctor when they suspect Pink Eye as they are unsure what to do, feel a great deal of discomfort and know that Pink Eye is often 'catching'. Bacterial Pink Eye will require the application of antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Also, eye preparations are available which reduce the stinging and burning sensation and hasten recovery.

When the eyes burn, cool compresses can be comforting and should be applied. Steroid eye drops should never be used with Pink Eye as they will only worsen the infection.

Note that the person with Pink Eye can re-infect their eyes themselves. In order to prevent this the person should avoid touching the eyes and should keep their hands very clean. They should also avoid close contact with other persons during this time.

Write to: Lifeline, PO Box 1731 Kgn 8