Pink Eye otherwise known as Acute Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory process that affects hundreds of Vincentians every year. It is usually caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies. Eye injuries and mechanical irritation can also mimic the pink eye.
Symptoms may include redness of the eye, itching, tearing, discharge, swollen eyelids and a foreign body sensation. Depending on the causative agent (e.g. viral or bacterial), the pink eye can be highly contagious. The symptoms are hardly distinguishable.
In many cases antibiotic are prescribed in conjunction with anti-inflammatory medications. Most Health Care Providers treat all cases of conjunctivitis with topical antibiotics; however, antibiotics are ineffective when treating viral conjunctivitis. The body tends to build resistance with unnecessary use of antibiotics. This makes the antibiotics less effective when they are really needed.
All that will soon be outdated thanks to a company called RPS). A new rapid care test called AdenoPlus® has been developed. It can rapidly aid in the differential diagnosis of acute conjunctivitis FDA approval has been issued and Ophthalmologists will soon start using this test in offices
According to the company, the test will allow the doctor to:
- Make rapid, accurate diagnosis before the patient leaves the Doctor’s office.
- Isolate and manage contagious patients.
- Prevent the spread of infection.
- Reduce unnecessary antibiotics prescriptions.
- Reduce potential ocular allergies and toxicities associated with unnecessary antibiotic use.
- Helps prevent antibiotic resistance.
It should be noted that up to 65% of all cases are viral and up to 90% of viral conjunctivitis, cases are caused by viral adenovirus. The test has a 90% sensitivity and a 96% specificity. Recommended treatment for Viral Conjunctivitis includes the following.
- Cool compresses 3-4 times daily
- Frequent hand washing.
- Decontamination of the home and office by wiping down surfaces with dilute bleach, changing sheets, using clean towels etc. Using sunglasses if eyes are light sensitive
- Throw away old makeup to prevent reinfection.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses during the period of illness.
- Avoid close contact with others for at least five to seven (5-7) days or until there are no symptoms: i.e. itching, tearing, redness etc.
Unless there is suspicion of a co-existing bacterial infection, antibiotics are not necessary in treating viral conjunctivitis. For bacterial conjunctivitis, treatment consists of antibiotic eye drops or ointment and patients can usually return to work 24-48 hours after starting treatment with a low risk of spreading infection to others. In the case of allergies, topical ocular antihistamine eye drops can be used to help the patient.
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