Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis refers to the irritation or inflammation of your conjunctiva. Your eye is shielded by a clear, thin membrane known as the conjunctiva. It covers your eyelid and the white of your eye (the sclera). The layer of mucus that makes up a portion of your tears is made by the conjunctiva. Pink eye is another name for conjunctivitis. When the conjunctiva's tiny blood vessels become inflamed, they become more obvious.
In conjunctivitis, your eyes may occasionally discharge something sticky and become red and swollen (inflamed). Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes. Some varieties of pink eye are extremely contagious (easy to spread from one person to another). It is usually caused by infections (bacterial/viral), or allergic reactions.
Causes Of Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis
A virus, bacteria, or allergies can all cause conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria or viruses can easily spread from one person to another. There is no transmission of allergic conjunctivitis. It is also caused by a foreign object in the eye or a chemical splash in the eye. A blocked tear duct can cause pink eyes in newborns.
Viral Conjunctivitis
The majority of cases of pink eye are typically brought on by adenovirus, but other viruses, such as herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can also play a role.
The most prevalent form of conjunctivitis is viral conjunctivitis. This kind of pink eye is extremely contagious and frequently spreads through crowds in schools and other places. Typically, it results in burning, red, and watery eyes.Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is exceptionally infectious and contagious. You will experience swollen, red eyes and a lot of sticky pus in your eye when you have bacterial conjunctivitis. However, some bacterial infections may result in little or no discharge. Pink eye and strep throat are sometimes caused by the same bacteria.
Colds or respiratory infection symptoms like a sore throat can also cause conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis can occur when you wear contact lenses that haven't been properly cleaned or are not your own.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is brought on by an allergen, like pollen. It affects both eyes. Your body produces an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to allergens. The antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) stimulates the release of histamine by the mast cells in the mucous lining of your eyes and airways.
It is also caused by a hypersensitive response to dust, creatures, tobacco smoke, pool chlorine, vehicle exhaust, or something different in the climate. It does not spread from one person to another.
The eyelids may become puffy and your eyes may become extremely itchy, red, and watery from allergic conjunctivitis. In addition to sneezing and producing a watery discharge from your nose, severe irritation, tearing, and inflammation of the eyes may be symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Eye drops for allergies are a common treatment option for allergic conjunctivitis.
Symptoms Of Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis
Although the symptoms of each kind of conjunctivitis may be slightly different, in general, if you notice any of the following, you should see a doctor immediately:
- Severe itchiness or irritation in your eyes
- A grainy sensation that a foreign object is in your eyes
- Pink or red eyes
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Watery or thick discharge that accumulates on your eyes, particularly at night
- Crusting of the eyelids or lashes, particularly in the morning
- Excessive tearing
Diagnosis Of Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis
A healthcare professional typically does not have much trouble diagnosing conjunctivitis. By simply asking you a few questions and looking at your eyes, they will typically be able to determine if you have conjunctivitis.
For instance, a healthcare professional could inquire as to whether your eyes are irritated and whether you have watery or thick release. They might also inquire if you have asthma, hay fever, or the common cold.
They might also take a few tests, like:
- A vision test to determine if your vision has been affected;
- By using bright light and magnification, examination of the external eye tissue, including the conjunctiva;
- An examination of the inner eye to ensure that no other tissues have been affected;
- A conjunctival tissue smear is typically performed when a person has chronic pink eye or the condition is not improving with treatment.
- A sample of the fluid that drains from your eye may occasionally be taken by your doctor for laboratory analysis (culture). If your symptoms are severe or if your doctor suspects a high-risk cause, such as an eye foreign body, serious bacterial infection, or sexually transmitted infection, a culture may be required.
Treatment Of Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis
The treatment of conjunctivitis varies from person to person depending on the type of conjunctivitis.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is typically brought on by the same viruses that are responsible for the common cold. These cold infections presently have no medicines, however, symptoms are generally gentle and resolve on their own in 7 to 10 days.
Other viruses, like herpes simplex or varicella-zoster virus, can play a role in some cases, resulting in more serious infections. There are antiviral treatments for these viruses, but they only work for these particular kinds of viral infections. In the meantime, you can alleviate your symptoms by applying a warm compress or dampening a cloth with warm water.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Antibiotic agents are the most widely recognized strategy for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Drops are usually preferred by adults. Because it is simpler to apply, ointment might be a better option for children.
Your symptoms will probably start to go away in a few days if you take antibiotics; however, to reduce your risk of getting pink eye again, you need to make sure you take all of your pills.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine, mast cell stabilizers, or an anti-inflammatory such as decongestants, or steroids to treat pink eye caused by allergic conjunctivitis.
The most commonly used antihistamines are loratadine and diphenhydramine. They might help alleviate your symptoms of allergies, like allergic pink eye.
Chemical Conjunctivitis
If you are suffering from chemical conjunctivitis, your healthcare professional suggests that you rinse your eyes with saline to alleviate symptoms. If the condition is severe enough, prescriptions containing topical steroids may also be made.
Home Remedies
Lifestyle changes and home remedies play an important role in treating the symptoms of conjunctivitis.
- Artificial tears, which are available over the counter, may alleviate symptoms.
- If you wear contact lenses, you might have to quit wearing them until your eyes feel much improved. How long you'll have to do without contact lenses relies upon what's causing your conjunctivitis. Ask your doctor if you should throw away your cleaning solution, lens case, and disposable contacts. Before reusing your lenses, thoroughly clean them if they are not disposable.
- Eye compressors may also be effective. Before applying it to your closed eyelids, soak a clean, pure cotton cloth in water and wring it out. Typically, a cool water compress will be most reassuring, but if you prefer, you can also use a warm one.
Prevention Of Conjunctivitis
Since infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious, instruct children to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. They additionally shouldn't share eye drops, tissues, eye cosmetics, washcloths, towels, or pillowcases.
Make certain to clean up well after contacting a contaminated kid's eyes, and discard things like cloth or cotton balls after they've been utilized. Wash towels and different materials that the youngster has utilized in steaming hot water independently from the remainder of the family's clothing to stay away from pollution.
Screening and treating pregnant people for sexually transmitted diseases can forestall many instances of pinkeye in babies. Prenatal screening is crucial because even pregnant women without symptoms may have bacteria in their birth canal.
Keep windows and doors closed on pollen-rich days and dust and vacuum frequently if you know your child is at risk for allergic conjunctivitis. The only way to avoid irritating conjunctivitis is to avoid the irritants.
Contact lens cleaning chemicals can occasionally irritate your eyes. Change the way you clean your contacts to see if that helps, but disinfect them first before putting them back in your eyes.
Complications Of Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can cause aggravation or inflammation in the cornea that can influence vision in both adults and children. In severe allergic conjunctivitis, eye scarring may occur. In instances of infective conjunctivitis, the contamination can spread to different pieces of the body, bringing about meningitis or other more serious auxiliary diseases.
Complications of pink eye or conjunctivitis can occur, although they are relatively rare. The risk of complications often depends on the cause and severity of the conjunctivitis. Here are some potential complications associated with conjunctivitis:
- Spread of Infection: In cases of infectious conjunctivitis (viral or bacterial), there is a risk of the infection spreading to the other eye or other individuals through close contact. Good hygiene practices can help minimize this risk.
- Recurrent or Chronic Conjunctivitis: Some individuals may experience recurrent episodes of conjunctivitis, particularly if they have chronic conditions like allergic conjunctivitis. This can lead to ongoing discomfort and vision problems.
- Corneal Infection (Keratitis): Severe or untreated cases of bacterial conjunctivitis can lead to a corneal infection (keratitis). This is a more serious condition that can potentially affect vision and requires prompt treatment.
- Scarring: In severe cases of conjunctivitis, especially when associated with a corneal infection or injury, scarring of the cornea can occur. Corneal scarring can impair vision.
- Vision Problems: While most cases of conjunctivitis resolve without long-term vision problems, severe and chronic conjunctivitis can affect visual acuity and cause blurred or distorted vision.
- Secondary Infections: Scratching or rubbing the irritated eyes can introduce bacteria from the skin or fingers, potentially leading to secondary bacterial infections.
- Conjunctival Granulomas: In chronic cases of conjunctivitis, especially allergic conjunctivitis, small nodules called conjunctival granulomas can develop on the inner surface of the eyelids.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva can disrupt the tear film, leading to dry eye syndrome. This can result in persistent dryness, discomfort, and eye irritation.