Conjuctivitis

Conjunctivitis (also known as pick eye) is caused by viral or bacterial infection or allergies. It usually affects both eyes.


What is Conjunctivitis?

 

The conjunctiva is transparent but it does contain blood vessels that overlay the white part of the eye surrounding the cornea. Anything that triggers inflammation will cause these blood vessels to dilate, making the eyes appear bloodshot.


What Are Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

 

    • Eye color: Red or pink color in the white of the eye 

    • Eye discharge: Pus or mucus that may be clear, yellow, white, or green 

    • Eyelids: Swelling of the eyelids or crusting of the eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning 

    • Eyes: Watery, teary eyes, or a sandy or scratchy feeling in the eye 

    • Sensitivity: Sensitivity to light, or feeling like something is in the eye 

    • Pain: Eye pain, or a burning sensation in the eyes 

    • Vision: Blurred vision, or a sudden change in vision 

    • Other symptoms: Flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, aches and pains What Causes Conjunctivitis?
 

Conjunctivitis can be caused by: 

    • A virus, such as the one that causes the common cold

    • The herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores

    • A bacterial infection

    • Direct contact with irritant chemicals such as cosmetics, chlorine from swimming pools, or preservatives

    • Contact lenses or contact lens solutions
 

Some types of pink eye are very contagious, but many others are not. Viral pink eye has no cure but will go away on its own. 

School children, teachers and anyone who works in close proximity to others in enclosed spaces are susceptible to conjunctivitis.



Different Types of Conjunctivitis.

 

Viral conjunctivitis 

Caused by a virus, such as the adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, or varicella-zoster virus. It often occurs with a cold and can cause a watery discharge during the day and sticky discharge in the morning. Viral conjunctivitis can’t be treated with eye drops or ointments, and antibiotics won’t help. Symptoms usually improve after a couple of weeks. 


Bacterial conjunctivitis

Caused by a highly contagious bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae. It can cause a yellow or green sticky discharge, itchiness, and swollen eyelids. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Bacterial conjunctivitis can cause serious damage to the eye of left untreated.


Allergic conjunctivitis

Caused by airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust or animal dander. It affects both eyes and is common during certain seasons. 


Toxic conjunctivitis

Caused by a reaction to a drug or preservative, such as a medication. It’s a chronic inflammation of the surface of the eye. 


Non-specific conjunctivitis

Eye redness and discharge that can’t be attributed to a virus, bacteria, allergy, or toxin. It can be caused by a foreign object in the eye, contact lens overuse, chronic dry eye, or smoke. 


Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) - All About Vision


Wearing glasses can reduce the risk of contracting conjunctivitis (pink eye), by providing a protective screen between the eyes and their immediate environment.