Did you know kids miss over 3 million school days a year as a result of pink eye? Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyes. When the small blood vessels become inflamed, they are more visible, resulting in the reddish or pink tone you see in the eyes.
Pink eye is highly contagious and can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or coming into contact with an irritant like smoke or dust. Because pink eye can be contagious, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to limit its spread.
The most common symptoms of pink eye include:
Pink eye is no joke and can quickly spread if not taken care of properly. If you or your kids are experiencing any of the symptoms above, see an eye doctor immediately. If you have a weak immune system or a pre-existing eye condition, pink eye can cause these to worsen.
To help prevent and further protect yourself from pink eye, take the following steps:
If you wear contact lenses and are diagnosed with pink eye, you should take the following steps:
This Article is written by Ted Mosbii on Behalf of The Toledo Clinic - Vision Associates. Vision Associates is a center of excellence for your every eye care need.