OsideGirl
Posts: 14441
Joined: 7/1/2005 From: United States Status: offline
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Viral Pink Eye The leading cause of a red eye is virus infection. Viral pink eye symptoms and signs are usually associated with more of a watery discharge, not green or yellow in color, and is frequently associated with viral "cold-like" symptoms. The eyelids may be swollen. Sometimes looking at bright lights is painful. While viral pink eye may not require an antibiotic, those affected should see a doctor, as occasionally this form of pink eye can be associated with infection of the cornea, (the clear portion of the front of the eyeball). This infection must be correctly detected and treated. Viral pink eye is highly contagious. Viral pink eye usually resolves in seven to ten days after symptoms appear. Bacterial Pink Eye The bacteria that most commonly cause infectious pink eye are staphylococci, pneumococci, and streptococci. Bacterial pink eye symptoms include: - eye pain,
- swelling,
- redness, and
- a moderate to large amount of discharge, usually yellow or greenish in color.
The discharge commonly accumulates after sleeping. Affected children may awaken most unhappy that their "eyes are stuck shut," requiring a warm wash cloth applied to the eyes to remove the discharge and lots of reassurance that their "eyes still work!" This bacterial pink eye responds to repeated warm wash cloths applied to the eyes (try applying these to your child's eye one eye at a time during a favorite video!) and antibiotic eye drops or ointment prescribed by your doctor. Chlamydia Pink Eye Pink eye due to infection with Chlamydia is an uncommon form of bacterial pink eye in the U.S., but is very common in Africa and the Middle Eastern countries. It can cause pink eye in adults and neonates. It is a cause of pink eye in adolescents and adults that can be sexually transmitted. Chlamydia pink eye is typically treated with tetracycline(except in children less than eight years old, because of possible teeth discoloration) or erythromycin. So, yeah, it's not good for the eyes.
< Message edited by OsideGirl -- 10/20/2007 5:26:24 PM >
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Give a girl the right shoes and she will conquer the world. ~ Marilyn Monroe The Accelerated Velocity of Terminological Inexactitude
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