The term "Pink Eye" is a very common one and can often be confusing in terms of understanding what might be causing an eye to look red or pink. Any time an eye is inflamed, no matter what the cause; the eye will become pink to red in color. This is due to dilation of the blood vessels that supply the white of the eye (the "sclera") or the mucus membrane that covers the sclera called the "conjunctiva." Inflammation of the conjunctiva is commonly and medically termed "conjunctivitis." The causes of Pink Eye include, among others: infection (viral, bacterial, or other microorganisms), allergy, toxic inflammation, generalized or non-specific inflammation, and trauma.

Infectious conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by a variety of viruses known as adenovirus. These common viruses can in addition to conjunctivitis also cause respiratory infections and common colds. The conjunctivitis associated with viral infections often has a mild pink color to the white of the eye, and is associated with tearing, but no discharge of the eye. Currently there are no anti-viral medications for the treatment of common viral conjunctivitis, although research is going on for the development of such agents. Supportive treatment with warm compresses, lubricating agents, and possible anti-inflammatory agents are the current mainstay of therapy.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is most commonly characterized by the presence of a deeper looking redness to the eyes along with a green or yellow purulent discharge and mattering of the eyelids upon waking in the morning. Topical treatment with antibiotic eye drops is very successful in the management of bacterial conjunctivitis. A significant problem however is the development of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The use of up-to-date, effective antibiotics is key in the management of this uncomfortable condition.

Allergic conjunctivitis is a very common eye condition and is characterized by pink looking eyes along with significant itching symptoms and occasionally associated with a white, stringy type of discharge. The symptoms may be seasonal, or can be year round depending on what the individual patient is allergic to. The use of contact lenses can be difficult during active bouts of allergic conjunctivitis. Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis includes the use of cold compresses, lubrication of the eyes with tear drops, proper contact lens cleaning and hygiene, and the use of new types of anti-allergy prescription eye drops. Contemporary pharmaceutical agents work on multiple aspects of the allergic eye response and are successful with only twice per day application. Your eye doctor at North Suburban Vision Consultants can determine which form of therapy will be most successful for you based on a careful examination of your eyes.

Occasionally a pink looking eye may be associated with a more serious inflammatory condition that not only involves the surface of the eye, but affects the internal structures of the eye. A condition called "Iritis" or "Uveitis" will cause the eye to appear pink or red; however there is internal inflammation of the blood vessel rich layers of the eye called the "Uvea." One of the key symptoms in these conditions is sensitivity to light and greater eye pain or discomfort than in other external inflammations. In rare instances Uveitis is associated with serious systemic general health diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, and many others. The treatment involves the use of topical and occasionally systemic steroid medications. The greatest concern is the misdiagnosis and subsequent mistreatment of Uveitis. This is why our doctors at North Suburban Vision Consultants do not suggest treatment and prescribing "over the telephone" simply based on what our patients describe to us. Additionally, we feel that eye problems should be diagnosed and treated by eye specialists, not by general doctors or pediatricians due to the possibility of this critical misdiagnosis.

Should you or a family member suffer from any type of "Pink Eye," the first step is for you to contact your eye care professionals at North Suburban Vision Consultants. Our expertise and experience will allow you to be properly diagnosed and treated. Our doctors are available to you 24 hours per day by calling our office. Please contact us.