We’ve all seen it, and probably even experienced it. That itchy, red, puffy eye that indicates conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye. It’s a condition most often associated with children, but one that anyone can get, even older adults. It’s a contagious infection, so being able to recognize it in your aging relative may be the key to prevent getting it yourself.
What Is Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis is so named because it is an infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the membrane that covers the eyeball. It’s a transparent membrane that contains tiny blood vessels. When these blood vessels become inflamed, the eye gets red, which is where the common name of the condition, pink eye, comes from.
Pink eye is uncomfortable, but it won’t cause your aging relative any serious damage. It does not affect vision and can be treated to relieve the irritation. However, since it can be contagious, it’s wise to exercise some caution in touching the senior’s eye or face. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward to prevent spreading the disease.
What Causes Pink Eye?
There are several different things that can cause pink eye. It is often caused by bacteria or a virus. When that’s the case, the condition is contagious. This form of pink eye can occur along with a cold or respiratory infection. It can be spread by coming into contact with the liquid draining from the eye of the person who is infected. One or both eyes may be infected.
Another cause of pink eye is allergies. When allergies are the cause, both eyes are affected. The eyes may be extremely itchy. The senior may also experience sneezing and a runny nose.
Pink eye can also be caused by getting something in the eye, such as a foreign object or a splash of household cleaner. Depending on what the senior has gotten in their eye, it may be necessary for them to see the doctor to have it removed. This is especially true if they’ve gotten a caustic chemical in their eye.
What Are the Symptoms?
If your older family member has the following symptoms, they may have pink eye and should see a doctor for treatment:
Sources
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/pink-eye.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS3-REALPOSS-TODAY
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-conjunctivitis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355
What Is Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis is so named because it is an infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the membrane that covers the eyeball. It’s a transparent membrane that contains tiny blood vessels. When these blood vessels become inflamed, the eye gets red, which is where the common name of the condition, pink eye, comes from.
Pink eye is uncomfortable, but it won’t cause your aging relative any serious damage. It does not affect vision and can be treated to relieve the irritation. However, since it can be contagious, it’s wise to exercise some caution in touching the senior’s eye or face. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward to prevent spreading the disease.
What Causes Pink Eye?
There are several different things that can cause pink eye. It is often caused by bacteria or a virus. When that’s the case, the condition is contagious. This form of pink eye can occur along with a cold or respiratory infection. It can be spread by coming into contact with the liquid draining from the eye of the person who is infected. One or both eyes may be infected.
Another cause of pink eye is allergies. When allergies are the cause, both eyes are affected. The eyes may be extremely itchy. The senior may also experience sneezing and a runny nose.
Pink eye can also be caused by getting something in the eye, such as a foreign object or a splash of household cleaner. Depending on what the senior has gotten in their eye, it may be necessary for them to see the doctor to have it removed. This is especially true if they’ve gotten a caustic chemical in their eye.
What Are the Symptoms?
If your older family member has the following symptoms, they may have pink eye and should see a doctor for treatment:
- One or both eyes are red.
- Itchy eyes.
- The affected eye feels gritty.
- Eye discharge that gets crusty during the night and may even prevent the eye from opening in the morning.
- Teary eyes.
Sources
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/pink-eye.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R2-POS3-REALPOSS-TODAY
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-conjunctivitis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN CHICAGO, IL FOR AN AGING LOVED ONE, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.