Pink eye is not an uncommon disease, it can affect one or both of the eyes, and is caused by either a bacterial or viral infection.

Pink eye will normally disappear without any treatment within a short time period. The viral infection which is usually accompanied by the common cold can last for a maximum of 10 days, but often less than this, whilst the bacterial infection , with its sticky discharge will last for about 7 days. This can seem like a lifetime to the sufferer, who tries frantically to deal with the extreme eye itchiness which often accompanies pink eye.

Some Treatments for the Relief of Bacterial Infection of Pink Eye.

 

n  To remove the sticky, after sleep discharge, bathe the area with warm clean water, wiping the eye from inner corner to the outer corner with a soft cotton pad.

n  Repeat the process, throwing away the cotton used after each usage.

n  Do not use the same cotton, after using for one cleansing only, dispose of it, and use a fresh piece each time the eye is bathed…… remember pink eye can be highly contagious.

n  Continue the bathing for several days, but an improvement should be seen after 3 – 4 days, if not a doctor should be consulted.

n  Apply any eye drops or antibiotic ointment prescribed by the doctor, and rigidly follow the instructions given, sometimes medicine may be prescribed to be given orally depending on the identity of the infection.

Some Treatments for Relief of Viral Infection Pink Eye.

 

Pink eye which is caused by a virus will not respond to antibiotic treatment. Viral pink eye typically affects only one eye at a time, and the symptoms can be treated—

n  Apply ‘artificial tears’ in the form of eye drops by pulling down the lower eyelid, dropping in the treatment drops, and the natural eye blinking will ensure good distribution of the liquid.

n  The eye can be soothed by applying a warm compress to the area.

n  The sufferer should avoid scratching the eye to relieve the itchiness, this will only aggravate the condition and increase the soreness.

There is no cure for viral pink eye, it usually disappears naturally within a few days, but by following the above, some of the associate discomfort can be relieved.

Some other pink eye conditions may be caused by Allergic Reactions to such things as plant pollen, dust from animal skin or smoke.

Bathing the eyes as described can bring some relief, but the use of anti-histamines to treat the allergy are the most effective in this situation, but the doctor may equally recommend and prescribe the use of steroids, decongestants and anti-inflammatory eye drops.

 

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