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Dr. Edward Boshnick
Snapper Creek Professional Center
7800 SW 87 Ave Suite B-270
Miami, Florida 33173
305-271-8206
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Conjunctivitis

What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent layer covering the surface of the inner eyelid and a portion of the front of the eye. This condition appears in many forms and affects people of all ages.

What causes conjunctivitis?
The three main types of conjunctivitis are infectious, allergic and chemical. The infectious form, commonly known as "pink eye" is caused by a contagious virus or bacteria.
Your body's allergies to pollen, cosmetics, animals or fabrics often bring on allergic conjunctivitis. Irritants, such as air pollution, noxious fumes and chlorine in swimming pools may produce the chemical form.

What are the signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis?
The common signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis are red eyes, inflamed inner eyelids, watery eyes, blurred vision and a sandy or scratchy feeling in the eyes. With the infectious form, there may be a watery or puslike discharge around the eyelids.

How can the spread of infectious conjunctivitis be prevented?
To avoid giving infectious conjunctivitis to others, keep your hands away from your eyes; thoroughly wash your hands before and after applying eye medication; do not share towels, washcloths, cosmetics or eyedrops with others and seek treatment promptly.
Small children, who may forget these precautions, should be kept away from school, camp and the swimming pool until the condition is cured.

Will conjunctivitis harm my eyes?
Certain forms of conjunctivitis can develop into a more severe condition that may harm your eye. Therefore, it's important to have your condition diagnosed and properly treated quickly.

How is infectious conjunctivitis treated?
Infectious conjunctivitis, caused by bacteria, is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops and/or ointment. Other infectious forms, caused viruses, can't be treated with antibiotics. They are fought off by your body's immune system.