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Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pink eye is extremely common and highly contagious. It is estimated that public school students in the U.S. miss 3 million school days each year as a result of pink eye.
Causes of pink eye-
Viruses (very contagious)
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Bacteria (very contagious)
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Allergens, like pollen (not contagious)
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Irritants, like smoke or dust (not contagious)
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Redness or swelling
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Watery eyes
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A gritty feel
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Itchiness, irritation, or burning
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Discharge
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Crusting of the eyelids or lashes
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Eye pain
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Sensitivity to light or blurred vision
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Intense eye redness
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Symptoms that get worse or don’t improve
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A weakened immune system, for example from HIV or cancer treatment
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Pre-existing eye conditions
A doctor can usually diagnose the cause of pink eye based on symptoms and patient history. Newborns with symptoms of pink eye should see a doctor right away.
Protect yourself and others from pink eye-
Wash your hands often with soap and water and help young children do the same. Wash your hands especially well after touching someone with pink eye or their personal items.
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Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. This can worsen the condition or spread it to your other eye.
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Avoid sharing personal items, such as makeup, eye drops, towels, bedding, contact lenses and containers, and eyeglasses.
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Do not use the same eye products for your infected and non-infected eyes.
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Stop wearing contact lenses until your eye doctor says it’s okay.
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