Focus on Eyes: Pink eye contagious, comes in three forms

Conjunctivitis is more commonly known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is an irritation/inflammation of the conjunctiva (clear layer on top of the white sclera that also lines the inner part of the eyelids) due to infection or an allergic response.

There are three types of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial and allergic.

Viral conjunctivitis is very contagious, and it often presents in schools and crowded places. This type of conjunctivitis is common in children and can be very contagious. It is caused by the same virus that causes the common cold. Patients usually present with red, irritated eyes with a watery discharge and increased light sensitivity.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is also very contagious. With this, patients have severe redness and copious purulent discharge; however, some patients may have little or no discharge. This type of conjunctivitis can lead to loss of vision if not treated properly.

Allergic conjunctivitis as the name implies is due to an allergic response. Patients with allergic conjunctivitis have red, watery and itchy eyes. Patients may also complain of a runny nose.

Inappropriate use of contact lenses can lead to giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), which is an allergic condition in which the body reacts to our own proteins that accumulate on the lens surface due to inadequate cleaning of the contact lens. This can lead to decreased vision with contact lenses and even contact lens intolerance.

Infectious types of conjunctivitis can be transmitted via direct contact with infected bodily fluids, usually through hand-to-eye contact, via spread of bacteria living in a person’s own nose or sinuses, or via poorly cleaned contact lenses.

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Treatment varies depending on the cause of conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotics; however, antibiotics do not treat viral conjunctivitis.

For viral pink eye, the treatment is more supportive and one has to let the infection run its course.

Some physicians may prescribe medications not to treat the viral infection but to help the patient deal better with the symptoms of discomfort.

These treatments, which can make the patient feel better, sometimes increase the duration of the infection.

In allergic conjunctivitis, the doctor may prescribe antihistamine drops or, even in some cases, oral antihistamines.

Patients with pink eye symptoms should visit their primary care physician or ophthalmologist for appropriate management.

Dr. Ho and Dr. Vaccari are ophthalmologists at Atlantic Eye MD, specializing in cataract surgery, multifocal lens implants, laser surgery, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma and macular degeneration as well as the full spectrum of vision disorders.

The Atlantic Eye MD office is located at 8040 N. Wickham Road in Melbourne.

To make an appointment please call (321) 757-7272

To learn more about the personalized eye care of Dr. Ho and Dr. Vaccari, visit AtlanticEyeMD.com