Conjunctivitis
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WHAT IS IT?
Conjunctivitis, sometimes called pink eye, is an inflammation of
the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelids and covering most of the
exposed surface of the eyeball. The inflammation may be caused by many things, including an
irritation from contact lenses or a chemical, an allergy, a viral
infection, or a bacterial infection. Conjunctivitis is the most common eye problem that the Rutgers
Student Health Service staff treats.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The symptoms of conjunctivitis vary depending on what has caused the infection, but
generally there is reddening and irritation, and frequently a discharge
from one or both of the eyes.
If the infection is bacterial in nature, the discharge is often thick and
heavy. This
may cause the eyelids to become crusted-over and, upon awakening,
difficulty in opening the eye or eyes may be experienced.
If the infection is viral in nature, the eyes appear red and the discharge
is usually watery and thin.
Conjunctivitis due to allergic reactions is often associated with seasonal
pollen allergies. The eyes appear red and tear excessively and, itching usually
occurs in both eyes.
If you are having severe pain, a more serious condition may be present. See a health care provider promptly.
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
Contact with contaminated fingers, washcloths, towels, eye cosmetics and/or handkerchiefs can cause
bacterial or viral conjunctivitis to spread from one eye to the other or
from one person to another.
HOW DOES THE HEALTH SERVICE TREAT IT?
Bacterial infections and some viral infections can lead to serious problems. Proper diagnosis and treatment is important. If you think you have conjunctivitis, see a health care
practitioner promptly. He or she will determine the cause of the infection and recommend a
treatment plan. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with special antibiotic
ointment or eye-drops. Viral infections have no cure (much like the common cold) but
usually go away by themselves within a week. Ask about using a warm compress several times per day, with a
separate compress for each eye.
Once treatment has begun, you should notice improvement within 48 hours and
complete cure should occur within a week. Return to the health service if you do not see improvement within a
week.
Your health care practitioner will answer any questions you have about
your health and may suggest that you make a return visit.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
REMEMBER:
- Do Not spread the infection by rubbing your eyes.
- Do Not share towels, washcloths, eye cosmetics, or handkerchiefs.
- Do Not use a treatment prescribed for someone else or one prescribed for you at another time. (Your infection may be different and not respond to the same treatment and since the tube or bottle can be contaminated easily, re-infection can occur.)
- Do Not wear eye makeup.
- Do Not wear contact lenses until the infection has cleared up, and only after lenses have been thoroughly disinfected.
- Do expect a prompt and complete cure.
- Do remember to wash your hands frequently, especially before and after applying ointment to help prevent infection.
- Do call the Health Service if you have any questions.
- Do use fresh, clean towels and washcloths.
FOLLOW-UP INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to Clinic
DATE:
TIME:
Make an appointment to see me.
DATE:
TIME:
Health Care Practitioner: