Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, happens when the thin membrane covering your eye gets inflamed. This can turn the white part of one or both eyes pink or red, and you might notice some sticky discharge. It’s often caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens.
Viral and bacterial forms are contagious, and their symptoms include swollen eyelids, watery eyes, itchiness, irritation, and a burning sensation. Although anyone can get pink eye, it’s crucial for newborns and children to get early treatment. Adults sometimes manage mild symptoms without medical help, depending on what caused the condition.
Different types of pink eye exist, and knowing the cause helps determine treatment. Pink eye can be triggered by allergens like dander, mold, and pollen—this is called allergic conjunctivitis. Meanwhile, irritants such as smoke, dust, or chemicals can lead to chemical conjunctivitis. Overuse of contact lenses might also cause pink eye.
Symptoms can affect one or both eyes and typically clear up in less than four weeks. The usual causes include shifts in bacteria naturally present on the eye. While not all pink eye cases are contagious, treat them as such until the infection type is determined. Bacterial pink eye is common in children due to close contact in schools or daycare, and newborns may get it via an infected mother during childbirth.
The infection often spreads through hand-to-eye contact, touching surfaces with respiratory droplets, or fecal matter. Allergic pink eye can cause itchy eyes and watery discharge, while other types might lead to red, puffy eyelids, particularly in newborns.
Diagnosing pink eye involves examining medical history, symptoms, and sometimes testing eye secretions in a lab. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and curing the infection. While viral pink eye often resolves without treatment in about two weeks, bacterial cases might need antibiotic drops or ointments, especially for severe instances. Allergic pink eye typically improves once exposure to allergens or irritants is reduced or eliminated.
If contact lenses cause pink eye, switching to a different cleaning routine or using glasses may help. Newborns with pink eye might need antibiotics to prevent complications.
To identify the root of your or your child’s symptoms and get the right treatment, consulting a healthcare provider is essential. Compresses can help reduce swelling, and allergy medications might relieve symptoms. Antibiotic drops are necessary for bacterial infections.
Good hygiene is key to preventing pink eye. Always wash your hands and avoid sharing personal items. In case of an infection, discard or clean things like makeup and contact lenses to stop it from spreading. Although complications from pink eye are rare, seeing a healthcare provider is crucial if symptoms persist or worsen.
