Pink Eye: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
Posted by: Midwest Eye Center in Eye Health
Conjunctivitis, often called “pink eye,” occurs when the conjunctiva—the clear, thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids—is irritated by infection or allergies. Pink eye is a common eye infection that affects millions of Americans each year. Your eyes become red and swollen, sometimes accompanied by a sticky discharge, when infected. You can have conjunctivitis in one or both eyes. Some types of pink eye are highly contagious, meaning they can easily spread from person to person.
What Are the Causes of Conjunctivitis?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies. Bacterial and viral types are easily spread from person to person, but allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form of conjunctivitis. This type of pink eye is highly contagious and often spreads in schools and crowded places. It usually causes burning, redness, and watery discharge from the eyes. Viral conjunctivitis is typically caused by the same virus that leads to a runny nose and sore throat in people with the common cold.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is very contagious. It is caused by bacteria and results in pink eye. With bacterial conjunctivitis, you typically experience sore, red eyes with increased sticky pus. However, some bacterial infections may cause little or no discharge. Sometimes, the bacteria responsible for pink eye are the same as those that cause strep throat.
Allergic conjunctivitis is a kind of pink eye caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, animals, cigarette smoke, pool chlorine, car fumes, or other environmental triggers. Importantly, it is not contagious. This type of pink eye makes your eyes very itchy, red, and watery, and the eyelids may swell.
How Do You Get Conjunctivitis?
The two types of conjunctivitis that can be highly contagious are bacterial and viral conjunctivitis. The most common ways to contract the infectious form of pink eye include:
- Having direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, usually through hand-to-eye contact.
- Not cleaning contact lenses properly, using poorly fitting contact lenses, or wearing decorative contacts is also a risk.
What Are Pink Eye Symptoms?
- Red eyes
- Lots of mucus and yellow discharge from the eye can make your eyelashes stick together, usually with bacterial conjunctivitis
- Itchy eyes
- Extra sensitive to light
- Hazy or blurry vision
- Burning eyes
- Puffy eyelids
What is the Best Treatment for Conjunctivitis?
Treating your pink eye depends entirely on the type of conjunctivitis you have.
• There is no specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis. However, applying a clean, cool, damp washcloth to your eyes can help soothe discomfort.
• Your eye doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops for a bacterial infection that causes pink eye.
• If your conjunctivitis is caused by allergies, your doctor might suggest using specific eye drops to reduce itchiness and puffiness.
For the best treatment, contact your eye doctor for personalized recommendations to meet your eye health needs and to ensure you don’t have a more serious eye issue.
Tips to Protect Your Eyes From Pink Eye
There are several proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of getting pink eye. Following these guidelines allows you to protect your eye health and reduce the chances of contracting conjunctivitis.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Do not sneeze or cough into your hands; aim into the crease of your elbow.
• DO NOT rub or touch your eyes.
• DO NOT share eye makeup or any eye drops.
• Remove your contacts before swimming or showering.
We Are Your Eye Health Partners
Conjunctivitis can be uncomfortable, but we are here to offer treatment advice to keep your eyes healthy. The most important step you can take is to see a professional to prevent spreading pink eye to others or experiencing it again. Only an eye doctor can determine whether your conjunctivitis is viral, bacterial, or allergic. Treatments differ widely depending on the type, so we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment TODAY with your eye doctor to find the proper treatment. For the best care, consult with your eye doctor to receive personalized recommendations for your eye health and to ensure you don’t have a more serious eye problem.
References: American Academy of Ophthalmology -The content is researched and vetted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided in this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.
