Pink Eye is an illness which has long been associated with children because of their close contact with each other as well as their penchant for touching everything in their environment. Imagine my surprise when I found myself afflicted with pink eye, even as I type this!
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, refers to an infection in the eye that manifests itself as an inflammation of the conjunctiva membrane of the eye. This inflammation is what gives the eye such a "rosy" hue. While there are a few different forms of the infection that are easily identifiable, I will focus on the viral and bacterial strains that are most common as well as most likely to affect persons of any age.
While we seldom associate viruses with our eyes, it is imperative to understand how it occurs. With the viral strain, only one eye is usually affected and suffers in addition to becoming red, can also expect to feel a constant irritation or foreign presence in the eye, as well as a clear watery discharge. As attractive as this all may seem, those wishing to rid themselves of viral conjunctivitis are asked only to have patience. Unfortunately, much like the common cold, there is no real treatment for this form of pink eye. Affected persons are asked simply to "wait it out" as it usually clears up on its own after a few days. However, there are over-the-counter tablets available that offer some relief for the soreness and itchiness that may occur.
Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is a different animal. This form usually affects both eyes and is a bit more severe. The three common bacteria that cause pink eye are staphylococci (causes staph infections), pneumococci (causes pneumonia, dead meningitis) and streptococci (causes strep throat). Persons affected with this strain often experience eye pain, swelling and excessive discharge that occurs overnight and may seal the eye shut temporarily. This form of pink eye should be attended to as soon as possible and can be treated with antibiotic pills as administered by a doctor.
How can you protect yourself against the pink eyed monster? Because we are in the flu season and colds, sore throats and other viruses are currently raging, we have to be especially diligent as Pink Eye is highly contagious. Good personal hygiene and the cessation of bad habits are always the best steps in protecting oneself against infections. By good hygiene, I refer to frequent hand washing which would help prevent the spreading of viruses and bacteria, as well as the frequent disposal/washing of hand towels and other personal items that may serve as vessels for the offending microorganisms. Bad habits refers to our compulsions to touch our faces and eyes with hands that are probably less than sanitary, and have probably been used to cover a coughing mouth or sneezing nose.
You can escape being quarantined and treated like a leper (my experience). If you have any health concerns, please contact the Baruch Health Care Center on 138 East 26 Street, at: (646) 312-2040.
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