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What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is also called pink eye. It is an infection of the inner eyelid and the clear covering over the white part of the eye. Your eyes may be red, feel irritated, or feel gritty as though you have sand in your eye. You may have clear, yellow, or green-colored fluid coming from your eye. This fluid may form crusts and cause the eyelids to stick together, especially in the morning. Pink eye spreads easily from person to person. With care, your eye(s) should be better in 7 days.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Red, irritated eye

2. Some burning and/or scratchy feeling

3. There may be a purulent (pus) or a mucus type discharge

How is it treated?

It depends on what caused the pink eye.

1. If you are concerned, you may have pink eye, you should be examined at the Student Health Center or by your physician. It may or may not need medication for treatment. If medication is given, follow the directions on the label.

2. If eyes are itchy: cool compresses over eyes for 10-15 minutes four times per day are helpful

3. If eyes are irritated and/or have heavy discharge: warm compresses for 10-15 minutes four times a day are helpful

What else do I need to know?

To prevent the spread of the infection:

1. Wash hands thoroughly

• Before you use the medicine in your eyes

• After using the medicine in your eyes

• Every time you touch your eyes or face

1. Wash any clothing touched by infected eyes/do not share...

• Clothes

• Towels

• Pillowcases

2. Do not share make-up. If the infection is caused by bacteria or a virus you must throw away your used make-up and buy new make-up

3. Do not touch the infected eye because the infection will spread to the good eye

4. Do not wear contact lenses until the irritation is gone

• Throw away contacts worn while eyes are infected.

• If you wear a non-disposable lens, call your eye care professional for advice.

5. Do not drive if your vision is blurred

6. Never use eye drops prescribed for someone else

Return to the Health Center – if……

1. You have eye pain

2. You have a change in visual acuity

3. You are not better in 2-5 days

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