Guide to surviving pink eye

CONJUNCTIVITIS: WHY EVERY BLINK IS A REMINDER THAT SOMETHING'S NOT SITTING RIGHT

- Yvonne De Bruin

Commonly known to many as pink eye, conjunctivitis is an infection of the membrane that covers the eyelid and part of the eyeball.

It may be caused by a bacteria, virus or allergic reaction. Some illnesses, like measles or sexually transmitted diseases may trigger conjunctivitis, but it may also be caused by an injury to the eye, contact lenses or a foreign substance in the eye.

Conjunctivitis is contagious, but very rarely affects one's sight. It should however be diagnosed and treated early, so that measures can be taken to prevent it from spreading to others.

Children who contract bacterial or viral conjunctivitis should be kept from school for a few days after they have started treatment.