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Prevention & Control of Pink Eye Diseases

Pink eye, also called conjunctiva or conjunctivitis, is a redness and swelling of the membrane that covers and protects the eye. It is a common ailment and can be caused by several things, including infections caused by viruses or bacteria; allergens such as chemicals, fumes or smoke; or dry eyes from lack of tears or exposure to wind and sun. Pink eye that is caused by viruses and bacteria is contagious and requires special handling to prevent and control it. Pink eye usually lasts seven to 10 days and goes away on its own.

  1. Washing Hands

    • Poor hand-washing habits are the most common contributor to the spread of pink eye. Hands should be washed before and after contact with the eyes or face, even if no signs of pink eye are present. Since there is no medicine that kills viruses that cause pink eye, washing hands is the best way to stop the spread of the virus.

    Contact Spread

    • The viruses and bacteria that cause pink eye can be spread through contact. Washcloths, makeup, eye drops or other objects that come in contact with the eye should never be shared. Items that come in contact with the eyes during infection should not be used after the infection has gone; for instance when the eye is infected with pink eye, makeup should not be used. If it is used, it should be disposed of and not reapplied after the infection is gone, as this can re-infect the eye.

    Viral Pink Eye

    • Pink eye that is caused by a virus is infectious during outbreak. For this reason, the person who has pink eye symptoms should not go to school or work until the symptoms subside, to minimize the possibility of spreading it.

    Bacterial Pink Eye

    • Pink eye that is caused by bacterial infections spreads through live bacterium. Once prescription antibiotic has been given time to work, the bacteria should no longer be contagious. This usually takes about 24 hours from the first dose. The symptoms should start to lessen at this point.

    Keep Eyes Protected and Hydrated

    • Wearing protective glasses or goggles when working around chemicals or in the wind helps to protect the eyes from damage. Keep healthy eyes hydrated by using saline solution or eye drops when eyes become dried out. Talk to an optometrist if dry eyes become a common occurrence.

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