All About Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (a small membrane covering the white of the eyeball and the eyelids). The tiny blood vessels in this area become visible when they are inflamed. This causes the white part of the eye to look pink or reddish in color. The condition is usually caused by a virus, bacteria or an allergic reaction. Pink eye is irritating alright. But it rarely affects your vision. Since the condition is contagious, you need to see your family doctor for early diagnosis and treatments. The right treatment will help alleviate the discomfort associated with the condition. This article provides information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments of pink eye.

There are many causes for pink eye. Some of them include:

. Viruses
. Allergies
. Bacteria
. A foreign object in the eye
. A chemical coming into contact with the eye
. A blocked tear duct in newborn babies

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis occur together with a cold, sore throat, or other respiratory infections. Avoid wearing unclean contact lenses or other people’s lenses. It can result in bacterial conjunctivitis. Both these conditions are contagious. It can spread when someone comes into contact with the liquid that drains from the patient’s eye. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by pollen or any other allergic substance. Intense itching, tearing, and inflammation of the eyes are symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

Irritations due to a chemical splash into the eyes or a foreign object can result in irritation conjunctivitis. A mucous discharge and watery eyes are the major symptoms of such a condition. This kind of conjunctivitis will usually clear up on its own within a day or two.

Symptoms Of Pink Eye

The most common symptoms of the condition include:

. Itchiness of one or both the eyes
. Redness in one or both the eyes
. A gritty feeling in the affects eye/s
. Tearing
. Discharge in one or both the eyes.

If you think your symptoms are matching those of a pink eye, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. The condition is contagious for more than two weeks after the symptoms occur. That is why you need to see a doctor for early diagnosis and treatment. This will prevent the condition from spreading to your family and friends. If you wear contact lenses, you should stop wearing them as soon as the symptoms appear. If the symptoms don’t recede within 12-24 hours, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

Treatments For Pink Eye

The treatments for the condition focus on relieving its symptoms. Your doctor may ask to clean the eyelids with a wet cloth and apply a cold or warm compress several times a day. He or she may recommend that you use artificial tears. If you are affected by viral conjunctivitis, you won’t need antibiotics. If your doctor diagnoses that the condition is caused by herpes simplex virus, he or she may prescribe antiviral medications. Your doctor may prescribe an eyedrop if you are suffering from allergic conjunctivitis.

The aforementioned article provides information on pink eye and its treatments.