Recent uptick in Pink Eye cases at local MCHS clinics and Urgent Care

It’s one of the most common eye problems for both children and adults. More commonly known as “pink eye,” conjunctivitis has become a common issue among patients visiting local clinics and urgent care lately.

Pink eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball.  When small blood vessels in the membrane become swollen and irritated, they’re more visible. This is what causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink.   Sydney Anderson, Family Physician at Mayo Clinic Health Systems talked with KAUS News about why Pink Eye has become such a big issue…

Anderson went on to talk about how pink eye spreads, and she added that most of the time, pink eye is caused by either a virus or bacteria….

Anderson stated that pink eye does not discriminate between children and adults…

Anderson also talked about how long Pink Eye can last…

Anderson stated that antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial conjunctivitis, but she added that the viral form of the disease must be allowed to run its course…

According to a nationwide emergency department study, the occurrence of pink eye depends on various factors such as age, gender, and time of the year. Historically, pink eye is known to peak in children 0 to 4 years old in March, followed by other age groups through the month of May. The first peak is observed among children under 7, with the highest incidence between 0 and 4 years. The second peak occurs at 22 years in women and 28 years in men.

To control and prevent the spread of pink eye, Anderson stated that you should not touch your eyes with your hands.  She added  that you should also wash your hands often, use a clean towel and washcloth daily, do not share towels or washcloths, change your pillowcases often, also throw away old eye cosmetics, such as mascara, and do not share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.