Does your little one have redness, discharge, itchy or swollen eyelids? Could they have Conjunctivitis, which is also referred to as pink eye? This is one of the most common spread eye diseases, especially among kids. Kids tend to be a little less cautious about washing their hands and also what they put near their eyes. Whether they are playing with their toys, friends or among children who are sick, it is very easy to transfer this eye disease to their eyes. Your Anderson Eye Doctor, Dr. Amy Walden & Associates has some tips for identifying and treating pink eye before it spreads around your house.

Identifying Pink Eye

The main thing you will notice when you or someone you know has pink eye is their eye(s) will become pink or red because they are inflamed and irritated. The thin membrane that covers the inside of our eyelids and the whites of our eyes is the conjunctiva. This is where the name conjunctivitis comes from. Many items can cause your conjunctiva to become irritated.

Common Causes Of Conjunctiva:

• Virus
• Bacteria
• Pollen (allergens)
• Chlorine from a swimming pool
• Pet Dander

Different Types Of Pink Eye

When these items touch the eye or are spread to the eye, your eyes can become pink or red from irritation, watery, itchy, swollen and overall feel uncomfortable. Symptoms may also include a sore throat, crusty eyelids, and a runny nose. If you have the viral type of pink eye, these symptoms may last up to a week or so and clear up on their own. You can use eye drops that your Anderson Eye Doctor prescribes to help with the discomfort. This type of pink eye is contagious, so be very careful when you are around other people.

If you have the bacteria form of pink eye, your doctor will give you antibiotic eye drops or cream to treat this infection. You should have some relief as quickly as 48 hours after using the drops. It is very important to continue to use the eye drops or cream for the full length of the prescription though. This will prevent the pink eye from coming back.

You may also have an allergic form of pink eye, which means this type of pink eye is not contagious. This form of pink eye is usually brought on by an allergy to pets, chlorine, pollen, etc. The best way to treat this, it to pinpoint the allergen and get rid of it if you can. It may help to apply a cool compress or artificial tears to your eyes. These are home remedies that will aid in relieving your pink eye. If the problem persists, your doctor will prescribe an antihistamine or anti-inflammatory medication. With the combination of the two, your pink eye should clear up fairly quickly.

Tips to Prevent Pink Eye From Your Anderson Eye Doctor

There are many ways to prevent Pink Eye from spreading in your house. Here are some tips from your Anderson Eye Doctor:

• Always wash your pillowcases and towels.
• Practice clean hygiene.
• Do not share makeup with others.
• If you have allergies to a pet, wash your hands after petting them, try to avoid placing them near your eyes after touching them as well.

If you do have contagious symptoms, do not send your child to school, stay at home from work. It is best to get this under control so you do not spread it to others.  Always contact your primary care doctor to verify what type of pink eye you have. This way they can treat you for the correct type and also knock this out as quickly as they can. This way you do not spread it and you can feel better sooner than later. Contact your Anderson Eye Doctor if you have questions about eye drops or irritation after the pink eye clears up.