Conjunctivitis is commonly known as pink eye which is an infection or swelling in the eye. In this eye condition, the blood vessels present in the conjunctiva becomes inflamed. As a result, the affected eye exudes a red or pink color that is commonly linked with conjunctivitis.
Causes of pink eye
- Virus/bacteria – conjunctivitis that is caused by bacteria is most often caused by the same type of bacteria that causes staph infections and strep throat. If the conjunctivitis was caused by a virus, it is due to the viruses that causes the common cold. Regardless of the cause, the condition is very contagious and can easily spread from one individual to another by hand contact.
- Chemicals – once the eye gets in contact with a foreign substance or chemical, it can lead to the condition. Chemicals such as chlorine used in backyard swimming pools can cause conjunctivitis. It is important to rinse the eyes with water in order to keep the irritant from causing pink eye.
- Allergies – allergens such as pollen can cause pink eye in one or both eyes. The pollen stimulate the body to produce more histamine that causes the inflammation as part of the body’s response to what it perceives as an infection, thus causing allergic conjunctivitis.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious, thus it is important to pay close attention to the symptoms. The condition can be easily passed on to others up to two weeks after it develops. It is best to consult with your doctor regarding the appropriate treatment if the following are present:
- Pink or reddish eyes
- Gritty feeling in the eyes
- Itchiness
- Watery or thick discharge that accumulates on the eye at night
- Abnormal amount of tears
How Conjunctivitis is Diagnosed
Diagnosing the condition is not difficult since your doctor can determine if you have pink eye by simply asking a few questions and examining your eye. If needed, your doctor might take a fluid sample from the conjunctiva to be sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
How to Treat Conjunctivitis
The treatment for the condition usually depends on its cause but you can also provide the appropriate first aid measures. If it is caused by a chemical irritant, there is a good chance that it will go away in just a few days. In case it was caused by a virus, bacteria or allergen, there are treatment options to follow.
- Bacterial – antibiotics are commonly used as the mode of treatment. The adults are usually recommended with eye drops while children are given an ointment since it is easier to apply. With the help of the antibiotics, the symptoms usually disappear in just a few days.
- Viral – conjunctivitis caused by a virus does not have any available treatment. Just like with common cold, there is no cure. It simply means that the symptoms will disappear in 7-10 days. Temporarily, you can apply a warm compress or cloth dampened with warm water can facilitate relief from the symptoms.
- Allergic – if the condition was caused by allergens, your doctor usually prescribes an antihistamine in order to minimize the swelling. Commonly used antihistamines include Benadryl and Claritin.
The best way to prevent conjunctivitis is by practicing good hygiene. Avoid sharing cosmetics that you use with others and do not touch your eyes with your hands without washing thoroughly.