Conjunctivitis: Understanding Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as Pink Eye, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. When the blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they give the eye a reddish or pink appearance.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis can be caused by:

– Bacterial or viral infections
– Foreign bodies in the eye
– Allergic reactions to pollen or other allergens
– Chemical splashes in the eye
– Incompletely open tear ducts in babies or young children

Viral Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis is usually caused by adenovirus, but other viruses like herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus can also cause Pink Eye.

How Conjunctivitis Spreads

Bacterial or viral infections are contagious and can spread through:

– Direct contact with an infected person
– Touching tears or discharge from an infected eye
– Sharing contact lenses or not cleaning them properly
– Poor hygiene

Symptoms of Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis rarely affects vision, but can be irritating. Symptoms include:

– Redness and itchiness in the affected eye
– Painful eyes (usually a sign of bacterial infection)
– Puffy eyelids
– Sensitivity to light
– Gritty feeling in the eye
– Excess tears or discharge
– Crusty discharge that forms overnight

Treatment for Conjunctivitis

Home remedies include:

– Applying a warm or cold compress to the eye
– Using lubricating eye drops
– Cleaning the eye with a warm, wet cloth

Bacterial conjunctivitis may be treated with antibiotic drops prescribed by a doctor. Viral conjunctivitis does not respond to antibiotics and can be highly contagious.

Preventing Conjunctivitis

To prevent the spread of conjunctivitis:

– Wash your hands frequently
– Avoid sharing towels, kerchiefs, or other objects with an infected person
– Avoid touching your eyes or face
– Avoid sharing eye makeup or contact lenses