Donald Kanoff lends insight into Pink Eye

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Parsippany, New Jersey, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) September 8, 2010 -- A pink eye is the most obvious symptom of conjunctivitis, so the term "pink eye" often is used for this common eye problem that can have many different causes.

A pink eye, along with itching, burning, stinging, irritation, pain, grittiness, crusting or light sensitivity, are all symptoms that provide clues about the types of conjunctivitis.

Contagious forms of pink eye are usually linked to bacterial or viral infections. Non-contagious pink eye can occur when eye irritants such as allergens, dust and smoke are in the environment. Coughing and sneezing can spread contagious pink eye by spraying tiny droplets from infected mucus into the air. Shared towels also can be infected, as well as table tops, counter spaces and bathrooms.

Pink eye can occur in adults, but most often affects young children through epidemics that spread rapidly in classrooms and day care centers. Particularly in these communal settings, people need to take extra precautions to prevent pink eye, such as frequent hand washing by adults and children.

For more common types of pink eye, here are some of the symptoms:

* Allergic conjunctivitis causes itching, redness and excessive tearing in both eyes. Your nose also may be stuffy, itchy and runny.

* Bacterial conjunctivitis often spreads to both eyes and causes a heavy discharge, sometimes greenish. Crusting may appear on eyelids.

* Viral conjunctivitis usually affects only one eye, which has excessive watering and a light discharge. Crusting on eyelids sometimes occurs.

Pink eye treatment options vary, often depending on whether your conjunctivitis is caused by a virus or bacteria. Antibiotic eye ointments or drops may help bacterial forms of conjunctivitis, but don't work for viral forms.

"Because you have no way of knowing for sure what type of pink eye you have, see your eye doctor before using any eye drops in your medicine cabinet from previous infections or eye problems," said Dr. Donald Kanoff.

For more info:

http://www.donaldkanoff.org

About Donald Kanoff

Dr. Kanoff is board certified in treatment and management of ocular disease.Dr. Kanoff specializes in laser evaluation for lasik surgery, as well as ocular prosthetic fitting and management.Dr. Kanoff maintains a large contact lens inventory, as well as a large selection of eyeglass frames in many new and exciting styles and designers.

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