Pink Eye In Adults And Children

Conjunctivitis is the medical term for pink eye. It causes irritation, itching and the feeling something is in your eye.

Most cases in adults are due to viral infections and children are more likely to develop pink eye. The interesting thing is that children are more likely to develop bacterial infections.

Here are some tips -- certainly not one hundred percent. A bacterial infection is more likely if there is gluing of the eyelids and no itching. Contact lens wearers are prone to infections and some get a serious infection called keratitis. Another interesting point is that kids with conjunctivitis caused by h influenza often have ear infections as well.

The bottom line – if you or your child have pink eye you should see the doctor and remember it is very contagious.

Reported By: Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor