Pinkeye sidelines Bob Costas from Olympic broadcast: How to treat conjunctivitis
Pinkeye has sidelined NBC sportscaster Bob Costas from Tuesday evening's Olympic primetime coverage, the longtime host said in a statement today.
“As a practical matter, I simply couldn’t do my job because my eyes had become so blurry, watery and sensitive to light,” Costas said in a NBC news release. “I’m hopeful the symptoms will improve in the next couple of days and I can return to the broadcast.
This marks the first time since 1998 that someone other than
Costas will host the Olympic primetime show, NBC said. Matt Lauer will be taking over his responsibilities.
“You hear it called pinkeye or conjunctivitis, but, as a practical matter, I haven’t had it before. You have swelling and stinging and burning and eventually tearing,” Costas told the New York Times. “And last night was the most difficult night of the five.”
Conjunctivitis refers to a swelling of the thin layer that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye, what’s known as the conjunctiva. Symptoms include itching, a pink or a red color in the white of the eye, discharge and crusting.
It is most commonly caused by viruses, bacteria and allergens. Chemicals, fungi, certain diseases, and prolonged contact lens wear can also cause the eye disease. Costas said he had a viral infection.
“If it was just discomfort, I’d be there,” Costas said in the news release. “I’m receiving excellent treatment…it’s a viral infection, and all you can do is try to manage the symptoms while the virus runs its course.”
Typically the infection will start in one eye and spread to the other within days, and clears up without causing long-term problems within one or two weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Severe cases may take up to three weeks or longer to clear, and may cause vision complications.
Treatments include artificial tears, cold packs and compresses to relieve inflammation and dryness. Antiviral medications may treat more severe forms of the disease, but antibiotic eye drops won’t help the infection unless bacteria is the root cause.
Often mild cases clear up without any treatments, the CDC said.
To prevent getting pinkeye, wash your hands often with soap and water, and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands after applying eye drops or ointment, and to avoid sharing towels, blankets, pillowcases, eyeglasses and makeup.