In this episode of It's Good to See You: Eye Health, Vision Care & More, Dr. Rupa Wong dives into the details of one of the most common eye complaints—pink eye, or conjunctivitis. Not all pink eye is the same, so understanding the differences between viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis can help you recognize symptoms, manage treatment, and avoid unnecessary antibiotics. Dr. Wong also explores less common causes, including chlamydial and HSV conjunctivitis, and shares insights from the latest research in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on antibiotic use for pink eye in children.

Key Takeaways:

• Types of Conjunctivitis: Understand the three primary types—viral, bacterial, and allergic—along with how they differ in causes, symptoms, and treatments.
• Statistics and Incidence: Discover how common each type is among children and adults, and why viral conjunctivitis peaks during certain seasons.
• Treatment Protocols: Learn the best treatment approaches for each type, including why antibiotics are often unnecessary for viral cases and how allergic conjunctivitis can be managed with antihistamines.
• When It’s Not So Common: Dive into some uncommon causes of pink eye, like chlamydial conjunctivitis, and how these are treated differently.
• Research Insights: Hear about a recent study in JAMA highlighting trends in antibiotic use for conjunctivitis in children and when antibiotics may or may not be needed.

Who Should Listen: This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and anyone who frequently encounters pink eye, as well as healthcare professionals who want to stay up-to-date on best practices for conjunctivitis treatment. Whether it’s back-to-school season or cold season, understanding pink eye can help you respond quickly and effectively.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology's Preferred Practice Guidelines for Conjunctivitis
• Recent study in JAMA Ophthalmology on antibiotic use for pink eye in children

Connect with Dr. Rupa Wong:

• Instagram: @drrupawong

Website: www.drrupawong.com

Podcast: It's Good to See You

Listen & Subscribe: If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to It's Good to See You for more insights on eye health and vision care. Don’t forget to share this episode with friends and family who might benefit from it!

 

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