Pink Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the eyelid. Pink eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria, viruses, allergies, and irritants.
Causes of Pink Eye
- Bacteria: Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common type of pink eye. It is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae. Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with infected people or objects.
- Viruses: Viral conjunctivitis is less common than bacterial conjunctivitis. It is caused by viruses such as adenovirus and herpes simplex virus. Viral conjunctivitis is also contagious and can be spread through contact with infected people or objects.
- Allergies: Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to an allergen, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
- Irritants: Irritant conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to an irritant, such as smoke, chlorine, or wind. Irritant conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
The symptoms of pink eye can vary depending on the cause. However, common symptoms include:
- Redness of the eye
- Swelling of the conjunctiva
- Itching or burning sensation
- Tearing
- Discharge from the eye (which can be clear, white, yellow, or green)
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
Treatment for Pink Eye
The treatment for pink eye depends on the cause.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. The antibiotic will kill the bacteria and clear up the infection.
- Viral conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis does not have a specific cure. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing the spread of the infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers and artificial tears can help relieve symptoms. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers. These medications can help block the allergic reaction and relieve symptoms.
- Irritant conjunctivitis: Irritant conjunctivitis is treated by removing the irritant from the eye. This may involve rinsing the eye with water or using a cold compress.
Prevention of Pink Eye
There are a number of things you can do to prevent pink eye, including:
- Washing your hands frequently, especially after being in contact with someone who has pink eye.
- Avoiding touching your eyes.
- Not sharing towels or other personal items with someone who has pink eye.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that may have been contaminated with bacteria or viruses.
- Getting vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). MMR vaccine can help protect against viral conjunctivitis caused by measles and mumps.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you have pink eye that:
- Does not improve with home treatment.
- Is accompanied by severe pain, vision changes, or sensitivity to light.
- Is accompanied by a fever or other systemic symptoms.
- Occurs in a newborn baby.
FAQ
Q: Is pink eye contagious?
A: Yes, pink eye is contagious. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious and can be spread through contact with infected people or objects. Allergic and irritant conjunctivitis are not contagious.
Q: How long does pink eye last?
A: The duration of pink eye depends on the cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually clears up within a few days of treatment. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own within a few weeks. Allergic and irritant conjunctivitis can last as long as the allergen or irritant is present.
Q: Can pink eye cause blindness?
A: In most cases, pink eye does not cause blindness. However, if pink eye is left untreated, it can lead to complications such as corneal ulcers and uveitis, which can potentially cause vision loss.
Q: How can I prevent pink eye?
A: There are a number of things you can do to prevent pink eye, including:
- Washing your hands frequently.
- Avoiding touching your eyes.
- Not sharing towels or other personal items with someone who has pink eye.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that may have been contaminated with bacteria or viruses.
- Getting vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
