Pink Eye is more correctly known as Madras Eye or Conjunctivitis. If you are experiencing any of the pink eye symptoms, you should be evaluated by an eye doctor to determine the cause. Often, viral “cold-like” symptoms, such as sinus congestion and runny nose, are also present. Your doctor may prescribe medicated eyedrops or ointment to reduce redness and discomfort, and to help prevent spreading of the infection. Except in obvious pyogenic or toxic/chemical conjunctivitis, a slit lamp (biomicroscope) is needed to have any confidence in the diagnosis. Examination of the tarsal conjunctiva is usually more diagnostic than the bulbar conjunctiva. As a precaution, most newborn infant eyes are treated with silver nitrate and/or antibiotic ointments, to make sure any possible infections are stopped before they can cause damage.
