DISORDERS Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Pink eye, the common name for conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the outer, normally clear covering of the sclera, the white part of the eye. The eye appears pink in conjunctivitis because the blood vessels are dilated. Pink eye is often accompanied by a discharge, but vision is usually normal, and discomfort is mild. Either a bacterial or a viral infection may cause conjunctivitis. Viruses, which are more common and last several weeks, may cause an upper respiratory infection (or cold) at the same time. Unlike viruses, bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with a variety of antibiotic eye drops or ointments, which usually cure the infection in a day or two. Conjunctivitis can be very contagious. People who have it should not share towels or pillowcases and should wash their hands frequently. They may need to stay home from school or work and should stay out of swimming pools. Not everyone with conjunctivitis has an infection. Allergies can cause conjunctivitis too. Typically, people with allergic conjunctivitis have itchy eyes, especially in spring and fall. Eyedrops to control itching are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis. It is important not to use medications that contain steroids (they usually end in "-one" or "-dex") unless prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Finally, not everyone with pink eye has conjunctivitis. Sometimes more serious diseases, such as infections, damage to the cornea, very severe glaucoma, or inflammation on the inside of the eye cause the conjunctiva to become inflamed and pink. Vision is usually normal if the pink eye is really conjunctivitis. If vision is affected, or if the problem does not get better in a few days, see an ophthalmologist. > Return to top Herpes Simplex Keratitis Herpes simplex is a common virus that nearly everyone is exposed to during early childhood. The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as saliva. The primary infection is generally mild causing a sore throat or mouth. After exposure, herpes simplex lies dormant in the nerves that support the eye and skin. Later in life, the virus may be reactivated by trauma, stress, running a fever, sunlight, heat, and certain medications. Herpes simplex is more likely to occur in immune suppressed individuals. If the virus is triggered repeatedly, it can become chronic. Type 1 herpes simplex, which causes cold sores or fever blisters, can affect the eyelids, conjunctiva (the outer, clear covering of the sclera, the white part of the eye), and the cornea. Frequently the first symptom of the eye being affected by herpes simplex is keratitis (swelling caused by infection) of the cornea. In some cases, the infection spreads to the inner layers of the cornea and may cause inflammation of other eye tissue or uveitis. With increased swelling or inflammation, the possibility increases for permanent scarring. Herpes simplex symptoms affecting the eyes are pain, red eyes, tearing, light sensitivity, irritation, scratchiness and decreased vision. An ophthalmologist can determine through evaluation the extent of infection and affects to the eyes. An initial infection is typically treated with topical or oral anti-viral medication. If the outbreak is more severe, an ophthalmologist may gently scrape the affected area of the cornea to remove diseased cells. Permanent scarring caused by chronic, severe infections may need a corneal transplant to restore vision. > Return to top Herpes Zoster One's first encounter with the herpes zoster virus is usually childhood chicken pox. Later in life, the virus may reactivate, causing a characteristic rash of small blisters, frequently on the chest or forehead, which form crusts and may leave scars. This second encounter is known as shingles. Unlike chicken pox, this condition is usually quite painful. Although this disease often occurs in normal, healthy people, it occurs more frequently in elderly or immune-compromised individuals. It is important to see an ophthalmologist when herpes zoster occurs on the face because the virus may invade the eye. An ophthalmologist looks for elevated pressure in the eye, inflammation, and herpes zoster lesions on the surface of the eye. All these problems can be treated but they are sometimes difficult to manage. Therefore, careful treatment and follow-up are required. New oral anti- viral medications are providing sufferers with a quicker, more complete recovery. > Return to top Our Practice l Services l Publications l Map & Directions l Contact Us l Privacy Policy Cataracts l Cornea and External Diseases l Corneal Transplants l Refractive Errors Refractive Surgery l Optics All contents © copyright 2002-2004 Corneal Consultants of Colorado, P.C. All rights reserved. Development by Mindshare HDV. Allergies and the Eyes Blepharitis Bullous Keratopathy Cicatricial Pemphigoid Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Herpes Simplex Keratitis Herpes Zoster