16. Conjungtivitis (Pink Eye)

Question 1

Conjunctivitis?

Answer 1

Allergic:Itchy, watery eyes, affects both eyes
Bacterial: sticky white, yellow or green discharge causes eyelids stick together (purulent discharge).
Viral: Watery or white mucous discharge start one eye, affects other eye within 24 to 48 hours.

Question 2

Treatment?

Answer 2

For Allergic: Antihistamine drops ex:Livostin,Naphcon-A

Lubricant drops ex: polyvinyl alcohol, Polyethiline gycol or

Bacterial: For Mild no require antibiotic treatment, but for severe case use antibiotics drops ex: Chloramphenicol 0.5% (Pharmacist-Only)

For Viral: Self healing No treatment required. Artificial tears can be helpful to lubricate.

Question 3

Cntact lens users

Answer 3

Do not wear lenses during infection and for 48 hours after it has cleared.
Discard any disposable lenses and cases.
If you are using non-disposable lenses, clean your lenses and containers completely before re-using.

Question 4

Self Care?

Answer 4

Before touching your eyes, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Dry your hands with a clean (or disposable) towel.
Clean away any pus, crust or discharge with a disposable cotton swab soaked in water.
Wipe your eye once, from the end nearest your nose to the outside, then throw the swab away. Continue until your eye is clean.
Wash and dry your hands again.
Don’t use contact lenses
Change pillowcases often.
Discard it after 28 days once open the bottle.

Question 5

Red flags?

Answer 5

You have eye pain or vision problems, or if you are very sensitive to light(photophobia).
You had glaucoma surgery in the past.
You took antibiotics for bacterial pink eye and it doesn’t improve in three to four days.
Blurred vision