When one thinks of eye infections, usually the “pink eye” which is commonly known as conjunctivitis, comes to mind. There is much more to eye infections than the redness one sees in the eye
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What is an eye infection?
An eye infection is usually a condition caused by bacteria or a virus. While there are many different types of eye infections with different causes and treatments, the most common is bacterial conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye.

The eye is constantly exposed to a variety of pathogens, but infections occur when the normal defences of the eye are compromised. The source of the infection may be local (e.g. from the eyelids) or remote (e.g. from the sinuses) and can be the result of trauma, eye surgery, contact lens wear, immune deficiencies, or other diseases resulting in growth of bacteria or viruses.

What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye infections in children and adults. Often called “pink eye”, it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. This tissue helps keep the eyelid and eyeball moist.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacterium, irritating substances (shampoos, dirt, smoke, and especially pool chlorine), allergens (substances that cause allergies) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses, and STDs can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk, if diagnosed promptly.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?
* Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
* Greater amount of tears
* Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep (in conjunctivitis caused by bacteria)
* Other discharge from the eye (green or white)
* Itchy eyes (especially in conjunctivitis caused by allergies)
* Burning eyes (especially in conjunctivitis caused by chemicals and irritants)
* Blurred vision
* Increased sensitivity to light

How is conjunctivitis treated?
* Bacteria
Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics. The antibiotic can be given as eye drops, ointments, or pills. Eye drops or ointments may need to be applied to the inside of the eyelid three to four times a day for five to seven days. It may be difficult to apply ointments inside of a child’s eye. If the ointment gets as far as the eyelashes, it will most likely melt and enter the eye. Pills may need to be taken for several days. The infection should improve within a week. Take the medicine as instructed by your doctor, even if the symptoms go away.

* Viruses
Medicine cannot treat conjunctivitis caused by a virus. This type of conjunctivitis often results from a common cold. Just as a cold must run its course, so must this form of conjunctivitis, which will last from four to seven days. You may, however, help relieve symptoms by applying a cold compress.

How is conjunctivitis spread?
Conjunctivitis can also be spread through hand contact when rubbing the eyes or touching contact lenses after touching infected genitals.

What can I do to help relieve symptoms?
* Protect your eyes from dirt and other irritating substances.
* Remove contact lenses, if you wear them.
* Place cold compresses on your eyes.
* Wash your face and eyelids with mild soap or baby shampoo and rinse with water to remove irritating substances.

How can I prevent spreading conjunctivitis infection?
* Don’t touch or rub the infected eye(s).
* Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
* Wash any discharge from your eyes twice a day using a fresh cotton ball or paper towel. Afterwards, discard the cotton ball and wash your hands with soap and warm water.
*l Wash your bedlinens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water and detergent.
* Avoid wearing eye make-up.
* Don’t share eye make-up with anyone else.
* Never wear another person’s contact lens.
* Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Throw away disposable lenses or be sure to clean extended-wear lenses and all eyewear cases.
* Avoid sharing common articles such as unwashed towels, cups, and glasses.
* Wash your hands after applying the eye drops or ointment to your eye or your child’s eye.
* Do not use eye drops in a non-infected eye that were used for an infected one.
* Wash your hands before and after touching your eyes or face and after using medicine in your eyes.
If your child has bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, keep him/her home from school or day care until he/she is no longer contagious.