Pink Eye

Have you ever experienced red, itchy, swollen eyes, only to find that someone close to you had the same symptoms? If so, you might have had pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. This condition involves inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the eyelid. Pink eye often leads to watery eyes, a sticky discharge, and a crust that forms overnight, making it hard to open your eyes in the morning. Pink eye can affect one or both eyes and is highly contagious. Though common in children, adults can also get it. Here are the three primary causes of pink eye.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacteria like Streptococci and Staphylococci are the most common culprits of bacterial pink eye. Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonococci can also cause it. Symptoms include itching, swelling, redness, and discharge. Bacterial pink eye spreads through contact with infected personal items, such as makeup or makeup tools, or from touching the eyes with dirty hands. If untreated, it can last more than 10 days, but proper treatment can resolve it much quicker.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Viral pink eye is the most cause of conjunctivitis, and is often caused by adenoviruses. It leads to a watery discharge and may come with symptoms like nasal congestion, swollen eyelids, runny nose, and may occur after a recent illness. The virus spreads through droplets from coughs and sneezes. There are no medications to treat viral conjunctivitis, but it will usually resolve on its own in 1-2 weeks.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergy-induced pink eye is marked by intense itching and tearing, with minimal pain. It’s often accompanied by sneezing or coughing. Common allergens include grass, dust, pollen, mold, and ragweed. Unlike bacterial or viral pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious.

General Symptoms of Pink Eye:

• Itchy eyes

• Redness of the sclera

• Pain

• Watery discharge

• Swollen eyelids

• Hazy or blurry vision

• Oversensitivity to light

Prevention

The best way to prevent pink eye is by practicing good hygiene which includes:

• Avoid putting dirty hands in your eyes

• Make it a habit to wash your hands often

• Avoid sharing towels and other personal items

• Do not use dirty items

• Changing your pillow cover regularly

• Do not leave a makeup item open for too long

• Avoid sharing makeup items like eyeliners, mascara, etc.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the pink eye:

• Viral Pink Eye: If caused by a virus, the infection usually resolves on its own in about 1-2 weeks. Since it is highly contagious, great care should be made to avoid spreading it. Supportive treatments such as warm compresses and artificial tears may help alleviate symptoms.

• Bacterial Pink Eye: Antibiotics, often in the form of eye drops or oral medications, are effective for bacterial pink eye. Be sure to complete the full course of antibiotics even after symptoms improve.

• Allergic Pink Eye: The underlying allergy should be treated, and avoiding allergens can help prevent recurrence. Once the allergy is managed, the pink eye symptoms should go away.

  
  

If you develop pink eye symptoms, stay home until the discharge stops to avoid spreading the infection. It's also important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. While mild cases of pink eye often clear up on their own, severe forms can cause scarring on the cornea, so early treatment is key.