Eyes are very vulnerable to disorders and diseases, one of which is pink eye or konjungtivis. Pink eye occurs due to inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva). This disease experienced by vulnerable children and even newborns.
Pink eye caused by viruses or bacteria common in children and usually highly contagious. "The disease is due to a dirty environment, the bacteria then attach to an adult or a child," said Retno Setyoningrum Ni, MD, an ophthalmologist from Jakarta Eye Center Kedoya, West Jakarta, Saturday (15/6).
All forms of conjunctivitis have similar signs and symptoms. White part of the eye that turns red or pink, and feels like sand when dikedipkan. Eyes are also discharging yellowish thickened at night into crust.
The resulting crust eyelid so attached so difficult to open in the morning and should be moistened with water first.
Some bacteria that commonly cause pink eye is Staphylococcus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. The duration of bacterial infections is 24-72 hours. In some children, conjunctivitis is also caused by an allergic reaction.
Newborns are also susceptible to certain bacteria are present in the birth canal, where this type of conjunctivitis should be treated immediately to prevent vision loss. In some cases of pink eye in babies whose eyes were not open yet perfect. This causing tear ducts are not perfect. As a result, the baby continuously shed tears, though not to cry.
"In the newborn screening should be done immediately to prevent pink eye," Retno said.
Baby with pink eye should be back two weeks after it is detected. It is to see the process of healing and treatment of infants.
Treatment of eye disease is distinguished by its cause. In infection because the virus can be given anti-inflammatory eye drops or artificial tears. While infections caused by bacteria can be given medication eye drops or ointment, as the degree of severity.
"The important thing is do not rub because it adds to the infection reaction," kara Retno.
Maintain cleanliness is the key factor to prevent pink eye. Retno advised to wash hands before and after activity. Patients should not be mutually borrow towels, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, and eye drops.
Use disposable wipes more advisable than a handkerchief to prevent the transmission of bacteria and viruses. Retno also suggest that children exposed to pink eye is absent from school less than a week, for the treatment process.