Pink Eye Conjuctivitis

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Pink Eye Conjuctivitis

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they're more visible. This is what causes the whites of your eyes to appear reddish or pink.

Pink eye is commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, or in babies, due to an incompletely opened tear duct.

Though pink eye can be irritating, it rarely affects the vision. Because pink eye can be contagious, early diagnosis and treatment can help limit its spread and get cured earlier.

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Pink Eye

The most common pink eye symptoms include:

  • Redness in one or both the eyes
  • Itchiness in one or both the eyes
  • Gritty feeling in one or both the eyes
  • Discharge in one or both the eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent the eyes from opening in the morning.
  • Tearing

Causes of pink eye include:

  • Viruses
  • Bacteria
  • Allergies
  • A chemical splash in the eye
  • A foreign object in the eye
  • In new-borns, a blocked tear duct

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis

Most cases of pink eye are typically caused by adenovirus but can also be caused by herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and various other viruses, including the COVID-19.

Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can occur along with colds or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a sore throat. Wearing contact lenses that aren't cleaned properly also can cause bacterial conjunctivitis.

Both types are very contagious. They are spread through direct or indirect contact with the liquid that drains from the eye of someone who's infected. One or both eyes may be affected.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and is a response to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen. In response to allergens, the body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This antibody triggers special cells called mast cells in the mucous lining of the eyes and airways to release inflammatory substances, including histamines. This release of histamine and other inflammatory substances can produce a number of allergy signs and symptoms, including red or pink eyes.

Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can occur along with colds or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a sore throat. Wearing contact lenses that aren't cleaned properly also can cause bacterial conjunctivitis.

With allergic conjunctivitis, the experience varies from intense itching, tearing and inflammation of the eyes — as well as sneezing and watery nasal discharge. Most allergic conjunctivitis can be controlled with anti-allergic treatment.

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Conjunctivitis resulting from irritation

Irritation from a chemical splash or foreign object in the eye is also associated with conjunctivitis. Sometimes flushing and cleaning the eye to rid it of the chemical or object causes redness and irritation. Signs and symptoms, which may include watery eyes and a mucous discharge, usually clear up on their own within about a day.

If initial flushing doesn't resolve the symptoms, or if the chemical is a caustic one such as lye, consulting an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, is very important. A chemical splash into the eye can cause permanent eye damage. Persistent symptoms could also indicate that the eyes still have the foreign body — or possibly something even severe.

Practice good hygiene to control the spread of Pink Eye.

  • Don't touch the eyes with unclean hands
  • Wash your hands before touching the eye
  • Always clean the eyes with sterile wet wipes
  • Use a clean towel and wash it daily
  • Do not share towels or washcloths
  • Change the pillowcases regularly
  • Be cautious with any eye cosmetics, such as mascara
  • Do not share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.
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