Pink Eye

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as “pink eye,” occurs when the thin layer of tissue lining your eyelid and the front of your eye becomes infected or inflamed. Although conjunctivitis is typically not serious, it can be very uncomfortable, and it is highly contagious.

Additionally, if left untreated, the condition could eventually affect your vision. For these reasons, it is important to contact your eye doctor as soon as possible. Treatments may include oral medications, antibiotic eye drops, or ointments.

Common Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Discomfort

One common sign of conjunctivitis is itchy, burning, or watery eyes. You may also experience a gritty sensation, as if there is something stuck in your eye. Generally, patients with this condition are also extra sensitive to light.

Discharge

Often, inflammation is also associated with yellow, green, or white discharge. The type of discharge is typically related to the cause of the conjunctivitis.

Discoloration

The most well-known symptom of conjunctivitis is red discoloration of the white part of the eye. For this reason, conjunctivitis is often referred to as pink eye.

Allergies, Bacteria, and Viruses can All Cause Conjunctivitis

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Caused by eye irritants, allergic conjunctivitis can develop due to pollen, dust, or animal dander. It can also stem from exposure to substances, such as cigarette smoke, car fumes, or pool chlorine. This type is not contagious.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

The bacterial form of conjunctivitis is most often caused by bacteria from your own hands or respiratory system. Physical contact with others, poor hygiene, and contaminated eye makeup can all cause bacterial conjunctivitis.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Most commonly caused by the same virus as the common cold, viral conjunctivitis is very contagious. You can be exposed to this form of conjunctivitis when other infected individuals cough or sneeze near you.

During your appointment, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your medical history and then perform an eye exam. In some cases, they will take a sample of any liquid draining from your eye to analyze in the lab.

It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of conjunctivitis, since the symptoms are so similar. However, there are some differences which your doctor can use to determine the optimal treatment option for you.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Tends to occur seasonally when pollen counts are high
Accompanied by intense itchiness in the eyes

Viral Conjunctivitis

Typically accompanies a cold or respiratory tract infection
Eye discharge is watery, rather than thick

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Typically occurs at the same time as an ear infection or shortly after birth
Eye discharge is thick, rather than watery

Practice Good Hygiene

One of the best ways to avoid developing conjunctivitis is hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, especially after contact with someone who is ill, avoid sharing eye makeup, and try not to touch your eyes.

Keep Contacts Clean

Make sure you are throwing away disposable contact lenses regularly and cleaning extended wear lenses properly. Ill-fitting or dirty contact lenses can cause conjunctivitis.

Limit Irritants

Dirt, dust, pollen, and other irritants can all cause inflammation in your eye. By minimizing your contact with irritating substances, you can protect your eyes against allergic conjunctivitis.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

The first step is to eliminate contact with the irritant, if possible. Cold compresses and eye drops can help relieve the discomfort. In severe cases, anti-inflammatory medication, antihistamines, or topical steroids may be used.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are typically effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. You may see an improvement after only three or four days, but it is important to take the full course of antibiotics.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Like a common cold, viral conjunctivitis must simply run its course. You can relieve symptoms with cold compresses and eye drops. In some severe cases, your doctor may prescribe topical steroids to reduce discomfort.

Schedule an Appointment With Your Doctor

In mild forms, pink eye typically clears up within two to three weeks, often without any treatment. While severe forms of conjunctivitis can become serious, your doctor can help you find the right treatment plan to protect your sight against issues. If you have noticed signs of pink eye in yourself or your child, contact a doctor right away to schedule an appointment.

Request Appointment

What is conjunctivitis?

Common Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Discomfort

Discharge

Discoloration

Allergies, Bacteria, and Viruses can All Cause Conjunctivitis

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Viral Conjunctivitis

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Viral Conjunctivitis

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Practice Good Hygiene

Keep Contacts Clean

Limit Irritants

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Viral Conjunctivitis

Schedule an Appointment With Your Doctor

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