It’s one of the most common eye problems for both children and adults. More commonly known as “pink eye,” conjunctivitis has become a common issue among patients visiting local clinics and urgent care lately.
“It’s been a big issue. We’ve seen an uptick in numbers over the past few weeks especially with children in daycare and school settings,” says Sydney Anderson, D.O., family physician at Mayo Clinic Health System family health clinic in La Crosse.
Pink eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. This membrane is called the conjunctiva. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they’re more visible. This is what causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink.
“It can go through the whole family because it is so contagious. It can spread very easily just by contact with the eyes and touching something another person has touched,” says Dr. Anderson.
Most of the time, pink eye is caused by either a virus or bacteria. 80% of acute cases of conjunctivitis are viral, accompanied by a common cold or respiratory tract infection.
“Viral conjunctivitis is going to be more of a watery eye with mucous discharge,” explains Dr. Anderson. “With bacteria, the eye will see heavier discharge that’s yellow or green. If you wipe away bacterial discharge, it usually comes back quickly versus viral where it might take a little bit longer. Bacterial usually starts in one eye sometimes it can spread to the other just with kiddos rubbing their eyes and kind of rubbing the other eye. Viral you do typically see the other eye get involved within 24 to 48 hours.”
Why is pink eye so common now?
According to a nationwide emergency department study, the occurrence of pink eye depends on various factors such as age, gender, and time of the year. Historically, pink eye is known to peak in children 0 to 4 years old in March, followed by other age groups through the month of May. The first peak is observed among children under 7, with the highest incidence between 0 and 4 years. The second peak occurs at 22 years in women and 28 years in men.
“When they are viral, many times you just have to let it run its course. We do recommend 24 hours of antibiotics before going back to school,” offers Dr. Anderson.
To control and prevent the spread of pink eye, you can do the following:
Don’t touch your eyes with your hands.
Wash your hands often.
Use a clean towel and washcloth daily.
Don’t share towels or washcloths.
Change your pillowcases often.
Throw away old eye cosmetics, such as mascara.
Don’t share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.
“Many times, using either warm or cold compress can help you deal with the irritation,” adds Anderson. “Most cases of pink eye get better on their own. However, don’t be afraid to seek medical help especially if you have pain in your eye, your vision is blurry or you’re sensitive to light.”
If symptoms don’t get better after a few days or the pink eye gets worse, feel free to call your primary care provider, or check in using Mayo Clinic Health System’s new mobile app Primary Care on Demand which offers 24/7 access care to patients.
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