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Eye Care (Expert Forum)
Pinkeye
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Pinkeye
by De__0__0, Dec 17, 1998 12:00AM
I teach prekindergarten aged children. Pinkeye is a common complaint among this aged child. In 20 years of teaching, I managed to not contract this illness, until last year. Last year I contracted pinkeye three times in a six month period. This school year I have already contracted it once.
I am being treated for undifferentiated connective tissue disease and probable Sjogren's Syndrome. I have very dry eyes, and use artificial tears frequently, in one use disposable containers to prevent contamination. I am on daily low dose prednisone and plaquenil. Could any of these illnesses or medications be responsible for me no longer being able to resist this very aggravating illness? Is there anything I can do to prevent it (I am careful about handwashing). At least one of the infections came after one of the children in the classroom had it...for some of the infections I saw no signs of any of the children being infected. I sure would like help with this. Thank you!
Dee ----------
The term pinkeye generally refers to a infection of the conjunctiva or mucus membrane covering of the eye. By far, the majority of these infections are viral in nature. These infections may be associated with cold symptoms or they may only cause eye symptoms. The infection usually lasts 7 to 14 days and the treatment is usually symptomatic with cold compresses and artificial tears. Less common, pinkeye can be caused by a bacterial infection and this needs to be treated with antibiotic drops. Bacterial infections are usually associated with a significant amount of discharge from the eye. Good handwashing hygiene is the best way to prevent spread of the infection.
Your particular situation is a little different. People with severe
dry eyes like yourself can periodically develop red eyes related to the dryness and may not represent true pinkeye. You need to maximize your dry eye treatment first and see if the periodic redness resolves. We have specialists in our department who many patients with Sjogrens and dry eyes. You can call 3139163730 to find out which one of us sees patients in your area.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific condition.
Sincerely yours,
HFHS M.D.-JL
*Keyword: pinkeye, etiology
