Brief overview of pink eye symptoms
The most common symptoms of pink eye include:
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Itching in one or both eyes
- A gritty sensation in one or both eyes
- A discharge in one or both eyes that causes crusting overnight and may hinder your eyes from opening in the morning
- Tearing
- Sensitivity to light, known as photophobia
What exactly is the conjunctiva?
The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that lines the eyelids and the eyeball. An eye infection occurs when a microorganism, such as a bacterium, virus, or fungus, infects the eye. The most common type is pink eye (conjunctivitis), which causes inflammation of the conjunctiva. When tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva swell and become irritated, they become more visible, giving the white part of the eye a reddish or pink look. Sometimes, pink eye is non-infectious, such as allergic or chemical pink eye.
Viruses are the primary cause of pink eye, though bacteria can also be responsible, especially in children. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections; they only treat bacterial ones.
Eye infections may affect one or both eyes. While some are minor, others can be medical emergencies that risk vision loss. These infections can involve nearly any part of the eye, including the eyelid, conjunctiva, cornea, and the outer eye regions.
While pink eye can be bothersome, it usually doesn’t affect your vision. Some treatments can relieve the discomfort. Since pink eye is contagious, prompt diagnosis and precautions are essential to prevent its spread.
What are the causes of pink eye?
The common causes of pink eye include:
- Viruses
- Bacteria.
- Allergies
- A chemical splash in the eye
- A foreign object in the eye
- Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis
Sometimes, a blocked tear duct in a newborn’s eye can cause symptoms that mimic pink eye.
Adenoviruses cause most cases of pink eye. Other viruses, including herpes simplex and varicella-zoster, can also cause it. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis often occur alongside cold symptoms or other respiratory infections, such as sore throats. Using improperly cleaned or borrowed contact lenses can lead to bacterial conjunctivitis.
Both types are very contagious and spread via direct or indirect contact with fluid from an infected person’s eye. Either one or both eyes can be affected.
What are the factors that increase the risk of pink eye?
Risk factors for pink eye include:
- Being exposed to an individual infected with viral or bacterial conjunctivitis
- Exposure to something you’re allergic to can cause allergic conjunctivitis
- Using contact lenses, particularly extended-wear lenses
- Not maintaining adequate hand hygiene and touching the eyes
- Wearing contaminated or expired eye makeup
How is conjunctivitis diagnosed?
In most cases, your doctor diagnoses pink eye by reviewing your recent medical history and symptoms and by examining your eyes.
In some cases, such as with newborns, immunocompromised patients, and contact lens users with severe symptoms, your healthcare professional might collect a sample of the fluid draining from your eye for laboratory testing, known as a culture. This procedure may be necessary if your symptoms are severe or if a high-risk cause is suspected, such as:
- A foreign object in your eye
- A severe bacterial infection
- An infection transmitted through sexual contact
What treatment options are available?
Pink eye treatment typically aims to ease symptoms. Your doctor might suggest:
- Using artificial tears.
- Cleaning your eyelids with a wet cloth.
- Applying cold or warm compresses several times daily.
- Using topical antibiotic eyedrops or ointments for confirmed or suspected bacterial conjunctivitis
Lifestyle and home remedies
To manage pink eye symptoms until they improve, consider trying the following.
- Apply a compress: A warm compress usually helps with bacterial/viral types of conjunctivitis to loosen discharge and ease discomfort. However, for allergic pink eye, a cold compress may help reduce inflammation and relieve itchy eyes. If only one eye is affected, avoid using the same cloth on both eyes to prevent spreading the infection.
- Try using eye drops. Over-the-counter artificial tears might help alleviate symptoms. Some eye drops contain antihistamines or other medications that help relieve symptoms of allergic pink eye.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses: until your eyes recover. The length of this break varies depending on the cause of your conjunctivitis. Talk to your healthcare provider to decide whether to dispose of your disposable contacts, cleaning solution, and lens case. If you use reusable lenses, ensure they are cleaned thoroughly before reusing.
What steps can be taken to prevent issues?
Practice good hygiene to control the spread of pink eye. For instance:
- Avoid touching your eyes with your hands.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Use a clean towel and washcloth every day.
- Avoid sharing towels and washcloths.
- Make sure to change your pillowcases regularly.
- Throw away old eye makeup, such as mascara.
- Avoid sharing eye cosmetics and personal eye care products.
Remember that bacterial or viral pink eye is just as contagious as a common cold. You can go back to work, school, or child care if you maintain good hygiene and avoid close contact. However, if your environment involves close contact with others, it might be better to stay home until your or your child’s symptoms resolve.
Check Your Eye Symptoms
Living with pink eye
If you experience allergies, eye irritation may be familiar, but it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider if you have discomfort, pain, discharge, or vision issues. Seek immediate medical attention for eye injuries. In some instances, treatment is necessary to prevent infections that could lead to vision loss. Many eye doctors are available outside regular hours to treat serious infections. Despite protective measures, eyes remain vulnerable to disease. Injuries and systemic health issues can increase the risk of infection. Even if symptoms like redness or irritation are familiar, a doctor should examine you to identify the cause, as some infections may cause serious problems without proper treatment. Contact lens wearers should be cautious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I anticipate if I develop an eye infection?
Allergic pink eye is not contagious and does not pose a threat to your vision. However, conjunctivitis caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi can be transmitted, so it is advisable to avoid contact with others until you are treated. Some eye infections, such as those from injuries or corneal diseases, can be severe and damage your eyesight. Consulting an eye care specialist is recommended to identify the cause and receive proper treatment.
How frequently do eye infections occur?
Eye infections are common, with roughly 1 million Americans visiting doctors or hospitals each year for them. Many of these cases involve individuals who wear contact lenses.
Can an eye infection go away on its own?
Eye infections caused by viruses or allergies may resolve on their own over time. However, medical treatment for bacterial or fungal infections can help speed recovery.
What is the duration of eye infections?
The duration of an eye infection depends on its cause and whether treatment is used. Some infections may clear in 5-7 days with treatment, while others might take longer as your body eliminates the virus or stops reacting to the allergen.
Who is susceptible to conjunctivitis?
Anyone can catch it since it is similar to a common cold, but children are more susceptible because they frequently come into close contact with many others at school.
