Pinkeye

Dr. Kisling Eye Symptoms, Pinkeye, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Pinkeye has become a generic term for a red eye. Initially it referred specific bacterial organism that caused eye infections in children. Today is is loosely used for children’s red eyes from viruses, bacteria, allergies, and other causes. Since the middle ear is contacted to the nasal sinuses by the Eustachian tube, children with frequent inner ear infections are more prone to getting pinkeye. Most likely, rubbing their nose then touching or rubbing around the eye spreads the infection. Retrograde transmission of bacteria from the nose to the eye through the tear ducts probably occurs especially with rubbing around the nose but a valve like structure reduces the potential for this avenue of spread. How long is pinkeye contagious? A common myth is 2-3 days. Some viral forms of pinkeye may be contagious for several weeks and bacterial eye infections may be eliminated in several days or conversely could be resistant strains that take much longer to eradicate. Adequate hand washing and avoidance of sharing washcloths and similar eye/hand/nose contact objects are your best bet at preventing the spread of pinkeye. See your Optometrist to avoid any serious complications that can accompany pinkeye.

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