A conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an infectious disease of the eye that causes inflammation of the clear conjunctiva, which lines the inside surface of the eyelid and outer surface of the eye. In newborns, pink eye is caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, irritants, or blocked tear ducts. This condition can affect both or one eye. We will discuss pink eye causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in this blog post.
The most common causes of pink eye are:
Viral conjunctivitis is usually caused by adenoviruses, the same viruses that cause colds and COVID-19. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread through direct or indirect contact with the eye secretions of an infected person. It can also be caused by other viruses, such as herpes simplex or varicella-zoster.
There are several bacteria that cause bacterial conjunctivitis, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. In addition to improper contact lens or eye makeup use, bacterial conjunctivitis is also contagious and can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with infected eye secretions.
An allergic reaction to an allergen, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or cosmetics, leads to allergic conjunctivitis, a condition that affects both eyes, is itchy, red, and causes tearing.
Inflammatory conjunctivitis occurs when your eyes become inflamed or irritated because of chemicals, smoke, chlorine, or foreign objects.
When the tear ducts of a newborn do not fully open, they develop blocked tear duct conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis caused by blocked tear ducts causes yellow or green discharge from the eyes and crusting. It is not contagious and does not spread from one person to another.
The symptoms of pink eye vary depending on the cause, but they may include:
Redness in one or both eyes
Itching, burning, or irritation in one or both eyes
A gritty feeling or a sensation of something in the eye
Increased tearing or discharge from the eye
Crusting of the eyelashes or eyelids, especially after sleep
Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Swollen or puffy eyelids
You will be asked about your symptoms, medical history, and whether you have been exposed to an infection or an allergen when your doctor diagnoses pink eye. You will also be examined by your doctor with a bright light or a slit lamp, which magnifies the structures of the eye. Your doctor may also take a sample of your eye discharge and send it to a laboratory. By doing so, you will be able to determine the cause of your pink eye and the best treatment.
The treatment of pink eye depends on the cause and the severity of the infection. Some general tips for treating pink eye include:
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
Use a clean, lint-free cloth soaked in warm water to gently wipe your eyes and remove any crust or discharge
Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to soothe your eyes and prevent dryness
Avoid wearing contact lenses until your eyes are completely healed
Avoid sharing eye makeup, towels, pillows, or other personal items with anyone
Avoid exposure to the infection or allergen that caused your pink eye
Depending on the cause of your pink eye, your doctor may also prescribe:
Antibiotic eye drops or ointments: These are used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis and prevent complications. You should use them as directed by your doctor and complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve.
Antihistamine eye drops: These are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis and reduce inflammation and itching. You should use them as directed by your doctor and avoid using them for more than two weeks, unless advised otherwise.
Steroid eye drops: These are used to treat severe cases of conjunctivitis that involve the cornea, the clear layer that covers the front of the eye. They can help reduce scarring and vision loss, but they can also cause side effects, such as increased eye pressure and cataracts. You should use them only under the supervision of your doctor and follow the instructions carefully.
The best way to prevent pink eye is to avoid getting infected or exposed to the infection or allergen that causes it. Some preventive measures include:
Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands often and keeping your eyes clean
Avoiding contact with people who have pink eye or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a cold or a sore throat
Avoiding sharing eye makeup, contact lenses, or other personal items with anyone
Wearing protective eyewear when swimming or working with chemicals or irritants
Changing your contact lenses regularly and following the instructions for cleaning and storing them
Seeking medical attention if you have any signs or symptoms of pink eye
Generally, pink eye is a mild eye infection that anyone can get. If left untreated, it can cause complications and affect your vision. You should therefore be aware of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pink eye. If you have any concerns, contact your doctor immediately.
