“Pink Eye” By: Laura Brown, Sarah Afiz,

and Nick Olson P.1

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane covering the sclera (white part of eye) and interior lining of eyelids

The inflammation of the conjunctiva cause the eye’s blood vessels to dilate, resulting in the reddish appearance

Types?

5 different types of Conjunctivitis 1. Bacterial Conjunctivitis- cause by bacteria 2. Viral Conjunctivitis- often associated with

the common cold, caused by the adenovirus3. Chlamydia Conjunctivitis- caused by

sexually transmitted infections 4. Allergic Conjunctivitis- caused by pollens,

dust 5. Reactive Conjunctivitis- caused by

chemicals such as swimming pools

Causes?

Pinkeye has different causes which include Virus Bacteria ( like chlamydia) Shampoos, dirt or smoke (ash), and pool

chlorine and other foreign objects that invade the eye

Allergies to dust or pollen, or to contact lenses

Who?

Conjunctivitis can affect any age person of either sex.

It also can affect any race. It is very serious if it occurs in an infant. It is also a common ailment in pre-schools

and elementary schools due to the easy transmission of the virus.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pinkeye are varied depending on the cause of it:

Redness of the white area of the eye Increased tears Thick yellow discharge that when dries it crusts over the

eyelashes Itchy eyes or Burning sensation Blurred vision Increased sensitivity to light/ brightness of sun If left untreated, bacterial conjunctivitis can cause scars on

eye’s surface leading to permanent damage and vision loss

When?

Conjunctivitis can occur at any time of the year and any time of the day. It is noticed most prominently in the early mornings when eyes are closed shut from the mucus.

Allergy induced occurs primarily during the heightened hay fever season. Chemical induced occurs primarily in summer due to increased pool usage.

Cases increase during the school year due to close proximity with so many children in daycare and schools.

When: Incubation

It normally starts in one eye and spreads to the other eye in a day or two

This disease is asymmetrical, meaning it can affect one eye more than the other

Incubation Period for Pink Eye will vary depending on whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus. 

Viral infection: from 12 hours to 3 days later, symptoms will appear.

Bacterial infection: symptoms display one to three days after transmission.

How Treated

Treatments vary depending on type: Bacteria: treated with antibiotics (a quinolone

antibiotic), in the form of eye drops, ointments, or pills.

In all cases, if pink eye continues a Dr. should be consulted.

Recommended to throw contact lenses away and insert new ones when the pink color is gone.

Origin

Conjunctivas- named after the conjunctiva “Pink Eye”- name for the color the eye

resembles when the conjunctiva is inflammed “Madras Eye”- the virus that causes

conjunctivitis was first identified in Madras, India during the early 20th sentury

Resources

Web MD: http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/tc/pinkeye-topic-overview

Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pink-eye

E-Medicine: http://emedicine.medscape.com