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Pink eye, red eye, or
conjunctivitis
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- Conjunctivitis is a condition in which the white part of the eye becomes inflamed, red, and irritated. Anything that irritates or infects the white part of the eye can cause Conjunctivitis. Viral
and allergic causes tend to have clear or "white eye
discharge." Bacterial causes, e.g., Staphylococcus, tend to
have yellow or green eye
discharge.
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- White of eye is red
- Eye itching
- Watery eye discharge
- White eye discharge
- Yellow or green eye
discharge
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- Clear discharge, sudden onset -- usually Viral Conjunctivitis ("Pink
Eye")
- Clear discharge, seasonal, or related to
environment -- allergic
- Colored discharge -- usually
bacterial (can still
occasionally be viral) -- cultures may be done
- Sicca (dry) Eyes -- diagnosed by
Schirmer's test
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- Viral (pink eye) -- none, but wash
hands cautiously and avoid touching eye, as it is very
contagious
- Gonorrhea --
Ceftriaxone by injection
- Chlamydia --
Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Azithromycin
- Bacterial causes -- antibiotic eye drops, e.g., Polytrim
- Allergic Eye -- topical lodoxamide,
Naphcon A eye drops, other allergy eye drops
- Dry Eyes -- artificial tear drops
- Treatment precaution:
- Some antibiotic eye drop preparations contain
corticosteroids. Corticosteroids can be helpful in some
infections, but can make others worse. In most instances,
drops containing corticosteroids should only be prescribed
by an ophthalmologist (medical doctor who specializes in eye
diseases).
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- Contact lens use increases the risk of bacterial Conjunctivitis.
Extended wear contacts have the highest risk. Use proper sterile techniques when handling your lenses. Follow instructions on how to clean your lenses carefully.
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