"Pink Eye" An Eye Disease That Is Often Experienced By Children

The eyes are very vulnerable to disruption and disease, one is pink eye or conjunctivas. Pink eye occurs due to inflammation of the transparent membranes that line the inside the eyelids (conjunctiva). This disease prone children endured even newborn babies. Pink eye due to a virus or bacteria is common in children and usually very contagious. "The disease is due to a dirty environment, with TB germs then stick on adults or children," said Ni Retno Setyoningrum, m.d., ophthalmologist from Jakarta Eye Center in Kedoya, West Jakarta, Saturday (3/6). 

All forms of conjunctivitis have similarities of certain signs and symptoms. The eyes that turn red, white or pink, and feels like sand when a wink. The eyes are yellowish secretions also released that thickens at night into the crust. The crust resulted in the eyelids so attached so early in the morning is difficult and must be opened first moistened with water. Some bacteria that often causes pink eye is Staphylococcus or Streptococcus pneumonia. The length of a bacterial infection is 24-72 hours. In some children, conjunctivitis also caused allergic reactions. 

Newborn babies are also prone to certain bacteria that are present in the birth, where this type of conjunctivitis should be treated immediately to prevent loss of vision. Sometimes of pink eye occurs in infants whose eyes open yet. This is due to the tear ducts that are not yet perfect. As a result, the baby constantly tears though not crying. "In the newborn screening should be done immediately to prevent pink eye," said Retno. Baby with pink eye should immediately return two weeks after it is detected. This is to look at the process of healing and treatment of babies. 

Treatment of eye diseases are distinguished based on the cause. The infection because the virus can be given a bitter taste eye drops or artificial tears. While the infection because bacteria can be given a treatment of eye drops or eye ointment, according to degree of severity. "It is important not to add reaction to infection because it polished," said Retno. Maintain the cleanliness of the main keys to prevent pink eye. Retno suggest to wash hands before and after the occupation. Sufferers may not be mutually borrowed towels, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, eye drops and medications. The use of disposable wipes are more advisable than a handkerchief to prevent transmission of the bacteria and viruses. Retno also recommend that child are exposed to pink eye does not enter school less than a week, to the treatment process.