Six Steps to Avoiding Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is common. It is rarely sight-threatening but always uncomfortable. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane overlying the white of the eye and lining the insides of your eyelids. You will notice that your eye is red or pink, sore (or itching, burning, stinging), sensitive to light and has a discharge. The eyelids may also be swollen.

There are different types, which require a different treatment regime. So consult your Eyecare Practitioner each time. Don't use old medications left over from previous episodes - they are likely out of date and you may have a different type now.

Your Optometrist will want to know things like:

• When it started
• How it feels
• What kind of discharge you have
• If anyone you know has just had it, too.

The inflammation may be in response to one of three main causes:

Bacterial - Characterised by a red, sore eye with thick purulent (pus) discharge that may make your eyelids stick together, especially after sleeping. This is Contagious.

Viral - This is often secondary to an upper respiratory infection. Highly contagious, so kids frequently pass it around at school or daycare. Antibiotics don't help. Treat the symptoms if very uncomfortable and boost your immune system.

Allergic - Hayfever sufferers know this one well! The delicate tissue of the eye and/or nose react to irritants in the air such as pollen, pet hair or smoke. Artificial tears help to rinse out allergens and soothe the eye. Antihistamine eyedrops or oral tablets may be required in more severe cases. Remove the main allergen if possible (cut down the Wattle, find a new home for the dog...)

Vernal - a severe seasonal allergy

Contact Lenses should not be worn during an episode of conjunctivitis. They will slow down the healing process, interfere with the absorption of any eyedrops and you will likely re-infect yourself each time you put them back in. So throw out the used contact lenses. Wait until you are completely healed and then start again with brand new clean lenses.

(If you use Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses or Conventional soft lenses, consult your Optometrist for the appropriate way to disinfect your lenses)

Why is it called "pink eye"?

The inflammation causes the blood vessels to dilate. This makes them much more visible than usual. They are in front of the white part of the eye (sclera) so the result is a pink-looking eye.

Does it result in vision loss?

Your vision may be poor while the eye is inflamed. This is due to swelling, mucous and other discharge and light sensitivity. It will feel a lot better when the conjunctivitis is treated. In rarer cases, severe bacterial infection can cause scarring. See an Eyecare Professional at the first sign of symptoms to prevent this.

Who gets it?

Anyone can get this at any time! We are especially vulnerable in Winter when the immune defences get run down.

Contact Lens wearers put themselves at risk if they don't follow proper hygiene. Disinfecting your lenses properly each time they are worn is very important.

How do I prevent Conjunctivitis?

Good hygiene can help to prevent the bacterial and viral forms of this condition.

1. Wash your hands regularly with soap; remove eye makeup thoroughly
2. Don't share handtowels, face cloths or eye makeup with others, especially if they already have pink eye.
3. Don't rub your eyes
4. Teach children to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
5. Tell colleagues/family to stay home when contagious to avoid giving it to other people
6. Keep your immunity up by eating fresh fruit and vegetables and getting plenty of sleep