pinkeye

pinkeye /pink·eye/ (pink´i″) acute contagious conjunctivitis.

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pink·eye (pngk)

n.

See acute contagious conjunctivitis.

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pinkeye.

See conjunctivitis.

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conjunctivitis [kon-junk″tĭ-vi´tis]

inflammation of the conjunctiva; it may be caused by bacteria or a virus, or by allergic, chemical, or physical factors. Its infectious form (of bacterial or viral origin) is highly contagious. See also pinkeye.

acute contagious conjunctivitis a contagious inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by Haemophilus aegypticus; secretions must be handled with extreme care to prevent its spread. Popularly known as pinkeye.

acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis a highly contagious form due to infection with enteroviruses.

gonococcal conjunctivitis (gonorrheal conjunctivitis) a severe form caused by infection with gonococci, marked by greatly swollen conjunctivae and eyelids with a profuse purulent discharge. In newborns it is bilateral, acquired from an infected maternal vaginal passage. In adults it is usually unilateral and is acquired by autoinoculation into the eye of other gonococcal infections, such as urethritis, either in oneself or in another person. Called also gonorrheal ophthalmia.

inclusion conjunctivitis a type of conjunctivitis primarily affecting newborn infants, caused by a strain of Chlamydia trachomatis, beginning as an acute purulent form and leading to papillary hypertrophy of the palpebral conjunctiva.

neonatal conjunctivitis ophthalmia neonatorum.

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pinkeye

see infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, contagious ophthalmia (sheep and goats).

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pinkeye

Conjunctivitis Ophthalmology Acute contagious conjunctivitis by Haemophilus aegyptius or H ducreyi; 'pinkeye' has been obfuscated by the lay public, which may use the term for any condition in which the eyes are pink–eg, bilateral bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, 'misuse' of eyes–ie, prolonged exposure to smoky rooms, alcoholism, dissipated lifestyle, severe iritis, closed angle glaucoma, etc. See Red eye.

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Patient discussion about pinkeye.

Q. How to treat a pink eye? I have pink eye in my left eye. It's very uncomfortable, how can I treat it?

A. You can either see a Doctor and he can prescribe some medication for it or you can treat it at home as follows:
First, prevent spreading the infection to the other eye and to other people. Pinkeye can be very contagious, so limit your contacts until you are better.
Carefully wash your hands every time you touch around your eye.
Keep your own towels, washcloths, and pillows separate from others.
Wash or change your pillowcase every day until the infection goes away.
Do not touch your infected eye with your fingers. Use tissues to wipe.
Do not wear eye makeup. Do not share eye makeup.
Do not wear your contact lenses until the infection is gone.
Put a warm compress, such as a washcloth soaked in warm water, on your eye for a few minutes, 3-4 times a day.
Do not put a patch over your eye. It may cause the infection to become worse.
Do not use eyedrops for more than a few days unless instructed by your ophthalmologist.