Conjunctivitis - Pink Eye Treatment Harrisburg Pennsylvania

"Pink Eye" is the old school days term for CONJUNCTIVITIS, an inflammation of the CONJUNCTIVA. The Conjunctiva is the transparent layer covering the surfaces of the inner eyelid and the front of the eyeball. This condition, also called pink eye, not only affects children but adults as well. In addition it comes in several forms.

Three Main Types or Pink Eye :
The three main types of conjunctivitis are INFECTIOUS, ALLERGIC, and CHEMICAL. The infectious form is caused by a contagious virus or bacteria. Allergic Conjunctivitis or pink eye is caused by the body's allergies to pollen, animal fabrics, and cosmetics. Air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, noxious fumes, and splashes from strong cleaning agents can cause chemical conjunctivitis.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms of pink eye, conjunctivitis, are red eyes, inflamed swollen eyelids, watery eyes, a feeling of burning or grittiness, and blurred vision. If the person has infectious pink eye, conjunctivitis there may also be a pus-like or watery discharge around the eyelids.

If you or someone in your household has contracted conjunctivitis, follow these steps to prevent the spread of the infection:

• Every time you touch your eyes or face, including when using medicine in your eye(s), wash your hands thoroughly.
• Wash any clothing touched by infected eyes including clothes, towels and pillowcases.
• Do not share make-up. If the infection is caused by bacteria or a virus, you must throw away your used make-up and buy new make-up.
• Do not touch the infected eye because the infection will spread to the other eye.

Is "Pink Eye" contagious?
Infectious conjunctivitis is contagious, so measures must be taken to prevent it from spreading at work, school, and even at home. Patients are instructed to keep their hands away from their eyes; use their own towels and washcloths; wash hands before and after using eye medications; to not share eye make-up; and follow their doctor's treatment instructions. Kids have a difficult time following these precautions. That's why the ophthalmologist may suggest keeping them home from school until their condition is cured.

Causes/Treatments
Infectious conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops and/or ointment. Other infectious forms caused by viruses can't be treated with antibiotics. Your body's immune system will kick in and fight it off.

Allergic Conjunctivitis, or pink eye,can be treated by Harrisburg eye doctors by simply removing the cause of the allergy to the eyes. Easier said than done when you have to tell your son that his pet gerbil has to go! Perhaps a new laundry detergent soap or mascara is the culprit.

Chemical Conjunctivitis is basically the same principal. If you know your eyes are sensitive to chlorine, wear swimming goggles. If you're using strong cleaning agents, wear safety glasses.

If you can't get rid of the gerbil, the calla lilies are in bloom, or your swimming pool caretaker is overzealous with chlorine, other types of prescription and nonprescription eye drops are available to help relieve the discomfort.

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