Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear mucous membrane covering the white part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. It is the most prevalent eye infection in the United States, with symptoms ranging from mild redness and watery eyes to severe infections that can impair vision.
Causes of Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes infected, typically by a virus or bacteria. It can also result from allergic reactions or chemical irritations.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is very common and often accompanies a mild upper respiratory infection, similar to the common cold. Inflammation of the cornea often occurs alongside viral conjunctivitis.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens such as pollen, cosmetics, chemicals in the air, or dust. It usually affects both eyes and includes symptoms like extreme itching, mucousy discharge, moderate redness, tearing, nasal discharge, and head congestion.
Bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms
Bacterial conjunctivitis can develop rapidly or gradually over a few days. The severity of symptoms depends on the type of bacteria and the overall health and natural resistance of the person.
Chemical/Toxic Conjunctivitis
Exposure to noxious fumes, particles, or chemical fluids can lead to chemical conjunctivitis. Symptoms include red eyes, tearing, pain, and sensitivity to light. The severity is influenced by the type of chemical and the duration of exposure.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Symptoms of conjunctivitis include red and irritated eyes, a gritty feeling, and sensitivity to light. It often affects both eyes, causing a stickiness of the eyelids, which can become swollen in severe cases. Itching is also common. One may wake up with eyelashes stuck together due to dried mucus formed during the night. Although vision is usually unaffected, any eye problem should be promptly diagnosed and treated by an eye care professional to rule out more serious conditions like iritis.
How Conjunctivitis Spreads
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious. The germs that cause it spread easily through contact with an infected person’s hands, towels, or linens. When another person touches their face or eyes after contact with these items, the infection can spread. This rapid transmission makes it common in households and classrooms.
Preventing the Spread of Conjunctivitis
• Avoid touching or rubbing the infected eye(s).
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Use paper towels instead of cloth towels. If using cloth towels, do not share them.
• Wipe discharge from eyes at least twice a day or as directed by an eye care professional.
• Use facial tissues instead of handkerchiefs.
• Wash cloth towels, washcloths, and linens used by the infected person in hot water.
• Avoid using contact lenses or eye makeup until the infection heals.
• Keep infected children or adults home from school or work as advised by an eye care professional.
Treatment of Conjunctivitis
Treatment for conjunctivitis varies based on the cause. Antibiotic eye drops, ointments, or other medications may be prescribed for bacterial infections. Cleaning the crusting on the eyelids every few hours with a cotton swab soaked in lukewarm water can provide relief.
Tinted glasses may help with discomfort from bright light. It is advised not to cover the eye with a patch, as this can worsen the infection. While many types of conjunctivitis may resolve on their own, an examination by an eye care professional is essential to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Types of Conjunctivitis
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is very common. It often accompanies a mild upper respiratory infection, similar to the common cold. Inflammation of the cornea often goes along with viral conjunctivitis.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Pollen, cosmetics, chemicals in the air, or dust can cause allergic conjunctivitis. It usually affects both eyes. Symptoms include extreme itching, mucousy discharge, moderate redness, tearing, and sometimes nasal discharge and head congestion. Hay fever and upper respiratory infections often go along with allergic conjunctivitis. The skin and eyelids may become inflamed, swollen, and itchy.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is very common and may start quickly or over a period of days. Symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the type of bacteria involved and the general health and natural resistance of the infected person.
Chemical/Toxic Conjunctivitis
Direct contact with noxious fumes, particles, or chemical fluids may cause a red eye with tearing, pain, and sensitivity to light. The severity depends on the type of chemical and the length of time the eye was exposed to it.
