Conjunctivitis (pink eye) - VnExpress Health

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, usually caused by a virus. It requires careful hygiene and proper use of oral and topical medications.

This article was professionally reviewed by Dr. Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of Children's Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City.

What is conjunctivitis (pink eye)?

- Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, usually caused by a virus.

- The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane lining the inside of the upper and lower eyelids. Normally, it is clear white, but when inflamed, it becomes congested and red.

Symptom

- Symptoms include a gritty, stinging, painful, burning, itchy, or heavy feeling in the eyelids, sensitivity to light, tearing, and mucous discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially upon waking in the morning.

- The discharge can be milky white, pale yellow, or pale green; thick or thin; and it reappears very quickly after wiping.

- Crying, fussiness.

- The conjunctiva loses its normal transparency, becoming congested, swollen, and red. In severe cases, the conjunctiva may protrude outwards, or both the upper and lower eyelids may swell.

- The disease usually occurs in one eye, then spreads to the other eye a few days later; it can also affect both eyes simultaneously.

- Vision is not impaired with simple conjunctivitis. If the discharge is concentrated in the cornea and there is tearing, the child may experience a foggy sensation.

- My eyes hurt and I'm sensitive to light.

- Swollen lymph nodes may appear in front of the ear.

How to care for them?

Most cases of conjunctivitis are treated on an outpatient basis, please note:

- Take medication as prescribed by your doctor (fever reducer, pain reliever, anti-itch medication).

- Use safe eye drops, usually neomycin or tobramycin.

- Do not use eye drops containing corticosteroids due to the risk of secondary infection and increased intraocular pressure.

- The second eye usually becomes infected after 48 hours, so both eyes should be treated with two drops each, 6-8 times a day.

- Clean the eyes with a 0.9% sodium chloride physiological saline solution.

- Maintain a normal diet and support your physical condition.

- Avoid irritants such as dust, pet dander, etc.

- Maintain relative isolation and practice general hygiene.