Pinkeye
Conjunctivitis
By: SarahKate 5th Period!
What is it?
Pink eye is swelling or infection of the membrane lining the eyes. It is the most common eye infection in the Western Hemisphere.
How does the organism attacks & spread?
Poor hand-washing is the main cause of the spread of pinkeye. Sharing an object, such as a washcloth or towel, with a person who has pinkeye can also spread the infection. This Pathogen can also be caused by any of the below:
Allergies
Bacteria
Certain diseases
Chemical exposure
Chlamydia
Fungi
Parasites (rarely)
Use of contact lenses (especially extended-wear lenses)
What are the most common people who develop Pinkeye?
Children can spread pinkeye the fastest. They come in closer contact with each other.
Newborns can also be affected by similar bacteria while in the birth canal. This must be treated immediately, to preserve eye sight.
Newborns can also be affected by similar bacteria while in the birth canal. This must be treated immediately, to preserve eye sight.
Where is Pinkeye most likely to be found?
This pathogen can be found any where in the world. It can spread very quickly and is therefore very contagious. Pinkeye is the most common eye disease in the Western Hemisphere thus making the Western Hemisphere an ideal place for this disease.
Most common injury done to victim?
Blurred vision
Crusts that form on the eyelid overnight
Eye pain
Gritty feeling in the eyes
- Tearing
Itching
Redness
Sensitivity to light
Is it considered armed and dangerous?
Pinkeye is very common. It usually is not serious and goes away in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment. I would rate the damage caused by this pathogen not serious. This is a common eye disease and does not cause permanent damage!
Treatment ~
Treatment depends on the cause.
Allergic conjunctivitis may respond to allergy treatment.
Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis.
Viral conjunctivitis will disappear on its own. Many doctors give a mild antibiotic eyedrops for pink eye to prevent bacterial conjunctivitis.
You can soothe the discomfort of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis by applying warm compresses (clean cloths soaked in warm water) to your closed eyes.
INTERESTING FACTS ~
Tears help protect the conjunctiva by washing away bacteria.
Tears also contain proteins and antibodies that kill bacteria.
Pinkeye can be transmitted through respiratory discharges.
There are 3 different types of Conjunctivitis.
- Viral: Most common and easiest to treat because no medication is required. Caused by a viral infection and will pass when the virus does.
- Bacterial: Is spread by bacteria. More severe than viral conjunctivitis because of the colored discharge. Poeple who have this form should go to their doctor and be prescribed antibiotic drops.
- Allergic: This is more commonly contracted by children and adults who have allergies. This type is not contagious and is cured from allergy eye drops or other allergy medications.
Newborns are actually more susceptible to pinkeye than older kids because they have immature immune systems and, often, blocked tear ducts.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) such as herpes and chlamydia can cause viral conjunctivitis for the person affected.