Consolation for those who get the pink eye-Word of prevention for those not yet affected |09 July 2007

Further research shows, however, that while it can be alarming because it makes the eyes extremely red and can spread rapidly, it’s a fairly common condition and usually causes no long-term eye or vision damage.

Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

The most common symptom is discomfort in the eye. A child may say he or she feels as if there is sand in the eye and inner eyelid. It can also cause discharge from the eyes to stick together when the child awakes in the morning. Some kids have swollen eyelids or sensitivity to bright light. In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness and tearing are common symptoms. Cases of pinkeye that are caused by bacteria and viruses are contagious. A child can get pink eye by touching an infected person or something an infected person has touched, such as a used tissue.

To prevent pink eye caused by infections, teach kids to wash their hands often with warm water and soap. They also should not share eye drops, tissues, eye-makeup, washcloths, towels or pillowcases with other people.

People are also advised to disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs and counters with diluted bleach solution. Most importantly however is to get those infected to avoid touching the face.

As far as treatment is concerned sometimes it can be a challenge to get kids to tolerate eye drops several times a day. If you are getting trouble, put the drops on the inner corner of your child’s eye. When your child opens the eye, the medicine will have to flow into it.

Cool or warm compressions may make a child with pink eye feel more comfortable. You can clean the edges of the infected eye carefully with warm water and gauze or cotton balls. This can also remove the crusts of dried discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together first thing in the morning.

However, if the pink eye does not improve after two or three days then the person needs to seek further medical help.