CONJUNTIVITIS/PINK EYE
Conjunctivitis, better known as Pink Eye, is an infection of the inside of your eyelid. It is usually caused by allergies, bacteria, viruses, dust, smoke, or chemicals. It is easily spread to both eyes, and transmitted to other people by hand contact.

Signs and symptoms:

• Red, irritated eye.
• A burning and/or scratchy feeling.
• There may be a pus or a yellow mucous type discharge in the morning.
• Occasional blurry vision which clears with blinking.
• If due to allergies, you may have increased tearing.

Treatment:

• Warm moist compresses can be applied to the closed eye for relief.
• The physician may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment for the eyes, depending on what caused the Pink Eye.
• If medication is given, follow the directions on the label.

To prevent the spread of the infection:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently before and after you touch your eyes or face.
• Wash any clothing (including towels and pillowcases) touched by infected eyes.
• Do not share make-up. If bacteria or a virus caused the infection, throw away your used make-up and buy new make-up.
• Do not touch the infected eye because the infection will spread to the good eye.

DRY EYE SYNDROME
Dry eye syndrome is a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture in the eye, which can result in irritation and inflammation.

Signs and symptoms:

• Persistent dryness
• Scratching
• Burning
• Foreign body sensation

Treatment:

• Artificial tears
• Restasis eye drops
• Temporary or permanent tear duct plugs
• Nutritional supplements
• Treatment of underlying eye disease
• Change in contact lens or discontinuing use of contact lens

STYES
Styes resemble a pimple on the inside or outside of eyelid. Styes develop when a gland at the edge of the eyelid becomes infected with bacteria.

Signs and symptoms:

• Pain
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Frequent watering of the affected eye
• Increase in light sensitivity
• Feels like something in the eye

Treatment:

Most styes heal within a few days on their own. Hot compresses, applied three or four times a day can help the healing process. Ointment can be prescribed to prevent recurrence of styes if you develop them frequently.

Resource Links:

• All About Vision (http://www.allaboutvision.com/)
• The Cole Eye Institute (http://www.clevelandclinic.org/eye/patient_info/)
• Medline Plus (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/eyediseases.html)