Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a
common eye inflammation that affects millions of people every year. It occurs
when the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and
covers the white part of the eye, becomes inflamed and irritated. This causes
the blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more visible, giving the eye a
pink or reddish appearance.
There are different types of pink eye,
depending on what causes it.
The most common causes are:
Viral infection: This is usually caused by adenovirus, which
is also respon
sible for the common cold and other respiratory infections. Viral
pink eye is highly contagious and can spread easily through coughing, sneezing,
or touching your eyes after touching an infected surface. It often affects both
eyes and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or
runny nose. There is no specific treatment for viral pink eye, and it usually
goes away on its own within one to two weeks. However, you can use artificial
tears, cold compresses, or antihistamines to relieve the discomfort and
itching.
Bacterial infection: This is caused by bacteria such as
staphylococcus, streptococcus, or haemophilus. Bacterial pink eye can also be
contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected eye discharge or
contaminated objects. It usually affects one eye at first, but may spread to
the other eye if not treated. Bacterial pink eye may cause thick yellow or
green discharge that forms a crust on your eyelashes or eyelids, especially
after sleeping. You may also experience pain, swelling, or sensitivity to
light. Bacterial pink eye can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments
prescribed by your doctor. You should see an improvement within 24 to 48 hours
of starting treatment, but you should complete the full course of antibiotics
to prevent recurrence or complications.
Allergic reaction: This is caused by an allergic response to
something that irritates your eyes, such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander,
cosmetics, or contact lenses. Allergic pink eye is not contagious and usually
affects both eyes. It may cause itching, burning, tearing, or redness in your
eyes. You may also have other signs of allergies, such as sneezing, nasal
congestion, or a rash on your face. Allergic pink eye can be treated with
antihistamine eye drops or oral medications to reduce the inflammation and
allergy symptoms. You should also avoid the allergen that triggers your
reaction as much as possible.
Other less common causes of pink eye
include:
Chemical irritation: This can occur when your eyes are exposed to
a harmful substance, such as chlorine in swimming pools, smoke, fumes, or air
pollution. Chemical pink eye can cause burning, redness, tearing, or blurred
vision in your eyes. You should rinse your eyes with clean water for at least
15 minutes and seek medical attention if the symptoms persist or worsen.
Foreign object: This can happen when something gets stuck in
your eye, such as an eyelash, a piece of dirt, or a contact lens. Foreign
object pink eye can cause pain, redness, tearing, or sensitivity to light in
your eye. You should try to remove the object gently with a moistened cotton
swab or washcloth. If you cannot remove it or if it scratches your eye, you
should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Blocked tear duct: This can affect newborn babies whose tear
ducts are not fully opened yet. Blocked tear duct pink eye can cause watery
discharge and crusting in one or both eyes of the baby. You can massage the
area between the baby's eye and nose gently to help open the tear duct. If the
condition does not improve within a few months or if it causes inflammation or
swelling in the baby's eye, you should consult a pediatrician.
How to prevent and treat pink eye?
Pink eye can be uncomfortable and annoying,
but it rarely causes serious problems for your vision. However, you should take
some steps to prevent spreading it to others or getting it again.
To prevent pink eye:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands.
- Do not share personal items that may come into contact with your eyes, such as towels, pillows, makeup, glasses, or contact lenses.
- Clean and disinfect any objects that may have been contaminated by your eye discharge.
- Stay home from school or work until your symptoms improve or until you are no longer contagious.
- Avoid swimming or wearing contact lenses until your infection is gone.
To treat pink eye:
- Follow your doctor's instructions and use any prescribed eye drops or ointments as directed.
- Do not stop taking your antibiotics until you finish the full course, even if your symptoms get better.
- Apply a warm or cold compress to your eyes several times a day to reduce the swelling and pain. You can use a clean cloth soaked in warm water or a cold pack wrapped in a towel. Do not reuse the same cloth or pack for both eyes to avoid cross-contamination.
- Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to soothe your eyes and wash away any discharge. Do not use the same bottle or dropper for both eyes to avoid cross-contamination.
- Remove any crusts from your eyelashes or eyelids with a moistened cotton ball or washcloth. Do not rub or scratch your eyes, as this may worsen the infection or damage your eye.
- If you have allergic pink eye, avoid the allergen that causes your reaction as much as possible. You can also use a humidifier or air purifier to improve the air quality in your home.
When to see a doctor for pink eye?
Most cases of pink eye are mild and resolve on
their own within a week or two. However, you should see a doctor preferably an
eye doctor or an ophthalmologist if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Severe pain, swelling, or redness in your eye.
- Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
- Sensitivity to light that makes it hard to open your eye.
- Fever, headache, or other signs of a systemic infection.
- A history of eye surgery, injury, or disease.
- A weakened immune system due to a medical condition or medication.
- No improvement or worsening of your symptoms after 48 hours of home treatment.
Your doctor will examine your eye and ask you
about your symptoms and medical history. They may also take a sample of your
eye discharge and send it to a laboratory for testing to identify the cause of
your . Based on the diagnosis, they will prescribe the appropriate treatment
for your condition.
Pink eye is a common and usually harmless eye condition that can affect anyone at any age.
However, it can be uncomfortable and contagious, so you should take steps to
prevent and treat it as soon as possible. By following these tips, you can
protect yourself and others from pink eye and keep your eyes healthy and clear.
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