What is pink eye disease?

  Inflammation of the eye’s conjunctival or white transparent area is often caused by infection, whether viral or bacterial or allergies or foreign objects or exposure to chemicals.  Symptoms often present with redness, itching, secretion or discharge, and tearing.  Diagnosis is often made by staining the eye and eye culture.  Treatment includes but is not limited to antibiotic eye drops, anti-allergies eye drops, copious irrigation, and seeing an ophthalmologist if issues worsen.

How Pink Eye Disease is Spread

Pink eye disease is caused by bacteria that come from the nose and mouth. When you look in the mirror, you can likely see some bacteria that cause pink eye disease. Your eyes may appear red and may have a discharge coming from the eyes. You may have some crusty, scaly skin around your eyes. This may be a result of rubbing your eyes. If you scratch your eye or rub your eye with something, you may spread this bacteria around your body. This bacteria may get into your body through your nose, mouth, or throat. You may also be infected by touching something with this bacteria. You can also get infected by kissing someone who has pink eye.

Causes of Pink Eye Disease

A virus causes pink eye. A person can get pink eye from having a cold. The person may also get pink eye by using a blow dryer and blowing steam on their face. Other causes include: Having contact with another person who has pink eye. A person can also get pink eye by inhaling dust. If the person gets pink eye after eating undercooked chicken, then the person may get sick because of bacteria in the food. Another cause of pink eye is touching dirty surfaces. If a person touches his face with his hand or handkerchief used to wipe a countertop, he may get pink eye.

Prevention Tips

To prevent pink eye:

1. Wash your hands often.
2. Try to clean your hands frequently, especially after you have touched your eyes.
3. Avoid touching your eyes. If a person has pink eye, he should wash his hands thoroughly.

A person should never blow his nose into a tissue used to clean his eyes. A person should avoid going swimming if they have a cold. In addition, a person should cover their mouth while sneezing. Wearing sunglasses can help a person to protect their eyes from the sun. A person experiencing symptoms of pink eye should see a doctor immediately. Visit us at one of our convenient locations in forest hill, East meadow, Bronx, Brooklyn, Jackson height and little neck.