Dear Karen,

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is usually caused by a virus that is similar to one that causes the common cold, though it has a variety of other causes, including bacterial infection or allergy. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin layer covering the surface of the inner eyelid and the front of the eye. It is highly contagious, and seen quite commonly in children. Conjunctivitis can cause a burning and scratchy or gritty sensation in the eyes, and there may be a discharge. You might first notice it when you wake up in the morning and your eyes and eyelashes are sticky, and hard to open.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Excessive tearing/watery discharge may be present with this condition. It will usually resolve on its own over the period of about two weeks. Antihistamine or cortisone eye drops may be prescribed to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral conjunctivitis. Erythromycin ointment is often recommended for viral conjunctivitis because it is soothing to the eyes as the virus runs its course, but it will only treat the symptoms.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

This can often be distinguished because of a pussy discharge (that my be white, yellow or greenish in color.) It is also characterized by redness of the eye and discomfort. Usually this infection will resolve quickly (within 1 to 3 days) when treated with antibiotic eyedrops.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is usually seasonal. It is distinguished by intense itching, along with redness and swelling of the eye. Systemic allergy medications (e.g. antihistamines) or antihistamine eye drops can be effective in treating this condition.

All eye infections should be evaluated by your Health Care Provider (HCP) so that the specific pathogen can be identified and treated. (Conjunctivitis is not the only type of eye infection.) Conjunctivitis usually does not cause any long term eye problems, though if a severe form were left untreated, it could cause significant damage to the eye. If the condition does not resolve after use of the antibiotic drops, a culture of the discharge should be taken to determine the pathogen and proper treatment.

Breastmilk has been used by mothers (probably for many years) to treat infectious conjunctivitis. Secretory IgA is an immunoglobulin, present in colostrum and mature human milk. It has been found to inhibit the adherence or bacteria to mucosal surfaces and limits bacterial colonization of the eye. I have not seen a plan outlining treatment of pink eye with breastmilk so I can not make any recommendations.You might want to share the references (below) with your HCP and discuss the possibility of treating pink eye with "breastmilk eyedrops" in the early stages.

Frequent and careful hand washing is very important! Viral conjunctivitis is contagious for around 10 days from it's onset. Avoid touching and rubbing the eye, sharing towels and washcloths, and change pillow cases each day.

A newborn with conjunctivitis needs to be evaluated immediately. Also see your Health Care Provider if you or your child experiences any of these symptoms:

• Change in vision (such as blurred vision)
• Yellow or greenish discharge from eyes
• Very strong sensation of a foreign body in the eye
• An elevated temperature, or feeling ill, in general

References:

• Cugalj, N. 1984. Current Considerations in Neonatal Conjunctivitis. Journal of Nurse-Midwifery 29(3):197-204.
• Ho, P. 1978. Human colostral cells: Phagocytosis and killing of E. coli and C. albicans. The Journal of Pediatrics 93(6):910-915.
• Lawrence, R. 1989. Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession, Third edition.
• Singh, M. et al. 1982. Human Colostrum for Prophylaxis Against Sticky Eyes and Conjunctivitis in the Newborn. J of Tropical Pediatrics 28:35-37.

Warmly,
Debbi