It's not pink eye....

It's True.....

That was the news today... despite the fact that the 12e residents told me its not pink eye and the doctor at the urgent care center said it's allergies.... The Dr. at the eye clinic finally said those dreaded words.... It's viral pink eye and those drops won't help you. so just stay off work for 5 days and don't touch anything... I felt really bad because one of my patients also has pink eye and at least one 12e nurse. I was litterally escorted out when I tried to stay long enough to get my paperwork together. Apparently it is quite contagious. So I am stuck at home..... and it is kinda hard to see. stupid pink eye!!!! so here is the down low on this nasty little viral infection so you can steer clear.

Pinkeye - Topic Overview


Pinkeye (also called conjunctivitis) is redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. The lining of the eye is usually clear. If irritation or infection occurs, the lining becomes red and swollen. See illustrations of a normal eye and one with conjunctivitis.
Pinkeye is very common. It usually is not serious and goes away in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment.
Common symptoms of pinkeye are:
Eye redness (hyperemia).
Swollen, red eyelids.
More tearing than usual.
Feeling as if something is in the eye (foreign-body sensation or keratoconjunctivitis).
An itching or burning feeling.
Mild sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Drainage from the eye.
Most cases of pinkeye are caused by:
Infections caused by viruses or bacteria.
Dry eyes from lack of tears or exposure to wind and sun.
Chemicals, fumes, or smoke (chemical conjunctivitis).
Allergies.
Viral and bacterial pinkeye are contagious and spread very easily. Since most pinkeye is caused by viruses for which there is usually no medical treatment, preventing its spread is important. Poor hand-washing is the main cause of the spread of pinkeye. Sharing an object, such as a washcloth or towel, with a person who has pinkeye can spread the infection. For tips on how to prevent the spread of pinkeye, see the Prevention section of this topic.
People with infectious pinkeye should not attend school or go to work until symptoms improve.
If the pinkeye is caused by a virus, the person can usually return to day care, school, or work when symptoms begin to improve, typically in 3 to 5 days. Medicines are not usually used to treat viral pinkeye, so it is important to prevent the spread of the infection. Pinkeye caused by a herpes virus, which is rare, can be treated with an antiviral medicine. Home treatment of viral pinkeye symptoms can help you feel more comfortable while the infection goes away.
If the pinkeye is caused by bacteria, the person can usually return to day care, school, or work 24 hours after an antibiotic has been started if symptoms have improved. Prescription antibiotic treatment usually kills the bacteria that cause pinkeye.
Pinkeye may be more serious if you:
Have a condition that decreases your body's ability to fight infection (impaired immune system). Have vision in only one eye.
Wear contact lenses.