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Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids. This inflammation causes the white of the eye to appear red or pink.
read more about conjunctivitis ...The inflammation is caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and often associated with a common cold. Bacterial conjunctivitis is also contagious and produces thick, pus-like discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is triggered by environmental allergens like pollen or dust. The specific cause dictates the necessary treatment, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral forms.
Symptoms are defined by redness, watering, and irritation of the eye. Viral forms cause copious watery discharge, while bacterial forms cause thick, sticky discharge that often causes the eyelids to stick together upon waking. Allergic forms cause intense itching and swelling of the eyelids and conjunctiva, sometimes requiring cold compresses for relief.
Diagnosis is usually made clinically, based on the eye's appearance and the type of discharge. Treatment for viral forms is supportive (cool compresses) since antibiotics are ineffective. Bacterial forms require antibiotic eye drops. Allergic forms are managed with antihistamine eye drops. In severe cases, a sample of the discharge may be sent to a lab to confirm the exact pathogen.
Diagnosis is usually made clinically, based on the eye's appearance and the type of discharge. Treatment for viral forms is supportive (cool compresses) since antibiotics are ineffective. Bacterial forms require antibiotic eye drops. Allergic forms are managed with antihistamine eye drops.
Wearing contact lenses is extremely risky during pink eye. The lens material can trap the pathogens (virus or bacteria) against the eye, severely worsening the infection and potentially causing corneal damage. Lenses must be discarded immediately, and wearing must be suspended until the infection clears completely.
Yes, viral and bacterial forms are highly contagious and spread easily through direct contact or shared items like towels.
No, antibiotics only work for bacterial forms. Viral "pink eye" must run its course, much like a common cold.
Yes, allergic conjunctivitis is a non-contagious form triggered by pollen, pet dander, or other allergens.
Seek medical care if you experience sharp eye pain, blurred vision, or extreme light sensitivity. These symptoms may indicate "Keratitis" (corneal inflammation), which can cause permanent scarring if not treated promptly by an ophthalmologist.
AAO. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) (aao.org). 2024.
CDC. Conjunctivitis Prevention (cdc.gov). 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Pink Eye Symptoms (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
StatPearls. Viral Conjunctivitis (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2024.