Looking into 'Pink Eye' causes

Pink Eye" is a term used commonly by the general public to describe a red, irritated and painful eye. I have cared for many people who describe having been exposed to someone with "pink eye" and fear getting infected themselves.\nWhile one of the more common causes is infection, the first lesson I teach is that there are many causes of red, swollen and painful eyes. \nWith all these causes of "pink eye" how can we tell the difference? It is often not easy to do from the symptoms alone since many symptoms can be the same. We use an instrument called a slit lamp, which is essentially a microscope for the eye. This allows us to do a thorough exam, which will help determine the cause and most appropriate treatment.\nConjunctivitis or irritation of the surface of the eye is a common cause of redness and discomfort. It can be due to bacterial or viral infection as well as allergies.\nViral infections are one of the most common infectious causes of "pink eye" and might be one of the most contagious. It is similar to having a cold in the eye. This means there are very few things that can be done to treat the infection to make it go away.\nMoisturizing eye drops are sometimes used for comfort. Many people specifically ask for antibiotic eye drops for treatment of their "pink eye." If the cause is a bacterial infection, antibiotic eye drops are the most appropriate treatment. If the cause is something else, then antibiotic eye drops are most often not necessary or helpful. If allergies are the cause there are several types of eye drops that are very effective at reducing the symptoms of ocular allergies. They can help with itching, tearing, irritation, and redness.\nEye irritation that is caused by contact lens use deserves special attention due to its high frequency and potentially dangerous effect on vision. People who wear contact lenses and develop red and painful eyes are more likely to be having complications from their lenses than any of the above causes.\nMany people wear their lenses too long, don't clean them properly or sleep in them against their doctor's advice. Contact lens related problems could include swelling of the cornea (this is the transparent tissue on which the contact lens rests), inflammation of the eye itself, and corneal ulcers, which can threaten your vision. If your eye doctor determines that your problem is contact lens related it is important to follow his or her instructions. This may include specific restrictions in wearing time, including not sleeping in the lenses.\nIf your eyes become red or irritated consider seeing an eye doctor. The IU Health Center has an eye clinic available at various times during the week. Call 855-6353 for more information. You can also call the IU School of Optometry at 855-8436 to schedule an evaluation.