STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

GucciGal19 · BCBG

Pink eye??!

nunzi182 · Kate Spade

I would seriously go to a different doctor if he doesn't seem concerned. Pink eye can seriously harm your eyes if left untreated.

From Ask Jeeves:

Medication. Doctors don't normally prescribe medication for viral conjunctivitis because it usually clears up on its own within a few days. Antibiotic eyedrops will alleviate bacterial conjunctivitis, whereas antihistamine allergy pills or eyedrops will help control allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. For giant papillary conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe eyedrops to reduce inflammation and itching.

Usually, conjunctivitis is a minor eye infection, but sometimes it can develop into a more serious condition. See your eye doctor for a diagnosis before using any eyedrops in your medicine cabinet from previous infections or eye problems.

Like the common cold, there is no cure for viral conjunctivitis; however, the symptoms can be relieved with cool compresses and artificial tears (found in most pharmacies). For the worst cases, topical steroid drops may be prescribed to reduce the discomfort from inflammation. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves within 3 weeks.

To avoid spreading infection, take these simple steps:

· Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs and counters with diluted bleach solution

· Don’t swim (some bacteria can be spread in the water)

· Avoid touching the face

· Wash hands frequently

· Don’t share towels or washcloths

· Do not reuse handkerchiefs (using a tissue is best)

· Avoid shaking hands

-- Edited by nunzi182 at 12:37, 2005-09-23

BargainQueen · Marc Jacobs

OMG!!!! I had the same thing you have for the ENTIRE FALL last year, it got so bad, my eyes got wrinkly & swollen, I looked terrible. I tried everything to make it go away, switching shampoo, soap, makeup, mascara, nothing worked. I even bought the expensive over the counter allergy drops & didn't work either.

After 3 visits, my regular Doc sent me to a Medical Eye Doctor. Before that my Doc prescribed this Vaseline ointment which actually made it worse.

Anyway, the Medical Eye Doctor couldn't pinpoint what it was but said it was some kind of infection. I think I gave it to myself cuz I rubbed them way too much. He gave eye drops and ointment. I always felt that the itchyness was inside my eyes, turns out the discomfort was on the outer skin, so I hardly even used the prescribed drops. The ointment however, worked like a charm. I felt immediate relief! I can't explain how good it felt to not have itchy burning eyes after so long. It tries to come back here and there but I still have the ointment so I apply it anytime I feel constant itching.

I carry it in my purse 24/7, its called: Elocon. I'm 99% sure you have I had, and you should really exaggerate how you feel when you go to the Doc so he will give the ointment to you. I only had to pay a $10 co-pay for the ointment.

Let me know if you have any questions, I feel your pain, it was a horrible experience

Cortney1982 · Chanel

I've never had pink eye but sounds like you need another doctor if yours is only concerned how much a damn test that can help you costs!

I don't know if you touch your eyes or face too much but I remember to try not to especially in public, and I always wash my hands when I get home.

jacL · Coach

GucciGal19 wrote:

Ok so ive had pink eye for more than 3 weeks already and im getting worried. Im at school right now and i went to health services and they didnt help much, so i went to an actual eye doctor and he said its a virus and can't do anything. He gave some drops but they dont work since its viral. My eye is blurry allll day and im alwasy wiping it! Its red and i wake up sometimes with icky stuff in the corner of my eye. The doctor said to wait till it goes away and it could take more than a month! I have never heard of this. I had pink eye before an dit went away in like 5 days. My doc from home said i should have a culture done around here but the eye doctor here said "we dont usually do cultures because they are too costly and take too long." WTF?! I'm worried im gonna become blind or something (lol well maybe not blind...but still). Has anyone had an experience with pink eye that last long? or something other than pink eye but thought it was pink eye? What should i do!!

This is true--cultures are very expensive and take a long time, sometimes longer than the actual infection lasts. And if a viral culture is done, the identity of the virus may not even be a factor with the treatment. But if you do want a culture done, insist upon it until the doctor does it.

I feel your pain--I had pink eye once and it was just about the worst thing that ever happened to me! I had a bad case, but fortunately, it lasted only a week.

Deuce · Dooney & Bourke

I agree that you should insist on the culture if it hasn't gotten better yet. It may take a long time for the results but if it is something worse and still won't go away this may help figure it out.

Usually Pinkeye goes away in a few days but there are different reasons. If you have the viral one the only thing you can do is wait. Also keep everything very clean. Put a towel over your pillow and change it every night. Bleach and disinfect everything your touch this will help.

So sorry you have this It is awful. Feel better soon.