Overview
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the whites of the eyes and the inner surfaces of the eyelids. It causes the blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become swollen and irritated, leading to redness or pinkness in the eyes. Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, chemical splashes, foreign objects, or blocked tear ducts in newborns. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, and a gritty feeling in the eyes. While it can be irritating, pink eye usually doesn't affect vision. Treatments can help relieve discomfort, and prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider is recommended if there is eye pain, a feeling something is stuck in the eye, blurred vision, or light sensitivity. To prevent the spread of pink eye, practice good hygiene, such as washing hands often, using clean towels and washcloths, and avoiding sharing personal eye care items.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of pink eye include:
- Redness in one or both eyes.
- Itchiness in one or both eyes.
- A gritty feeling in one or both eyes.
- A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning.
- Tearing.
- Sensitivity to light, called photophobia. These symptoms are typically associated with viral, bacterial, or allergic conjunctivitis. If you experience severe symptoms such as eye pain, a feeling that something is stuck in your eye, blurred vision, or light sensitivity, you should seek urgent care. Pink eye caused by a chemical splash or foreign object in the eye may also cause redness and irritation, with symptoms typically resolving on their own within a day. Proper hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items can help prevent the spread of pink eye.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing pink eye include exposure to someone infected with the viral or bacterial form of conjunctivitis, exposure to something you're allergic to for allergic conjunctivitis, and using contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses.
Development
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can develop due to several causes. The main categories of pink eye include viral, bacterial, allergic, and irritation from chemicals or foreign objects.
- Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis: These are the most common causes of pink eye. They can be spread through direct or indirect contact with the liquid from an infected person's eye. Viruses, such as adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, and varicella-zoster virus, can cause viral conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by improperly cleaned contact lenses or not using your own lenses.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: This type of pink eye is caused by an allergic reaction to something in the environment, such as pollen, animal dander, or dust mites.
- Irritation from chemicals or foreign objects: Pink eye can also develop due to exposure to chemicals or foreign objects that come into contact with the eye. This can cause irritation and redness in the eye. In summary, pink eye can develop due to various causes, such as viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritation from chemicals or foreign objects. It is essential to get an early diagnosis and take necessary precautions to limit the spread of the infection.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
If you experience eye pain, a feeling that something is stuck in your eye, blurred vision, and light sensitivity alongside pink eye symptoms, you should seek urgent care. These symptoms could indicate a more serious eye condition. Additionally, if your symptoms don't improve within 12 to 24 hours or you wear contact lenses, you should make an appointment with your eye doctor.
Diagnosis
To diagnose pink eye, your health care provider will typically ask about your recent health history and symptoms and examine your eyes. In some cases, they may take a sample of the liquid that drains from your eye for laboratory analysis, called a culture, if your symptoms are severe or if your provider suspects a high-risk cause such as a foreign body in your eye, a serious bacterial infection, or a sexually transmitted infection.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Complications of pink eye can include inflammation in the cornea that can affect vision. If left untreated, it may lead to more serious eye infections. It's important to promptly consult a healthcare provider if experiencing eye pain, a feeling that something is stuck in the eye, blurred vision, or light sensitivity.
Prevention
Pink eye can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and taking certain precautions. Some ways to prevent the spread of pink eye include:
- Avoiding touching your eyes with your hands.
- Frequently washing your hands to reduce the risk of infection.
- Using a clean towel and washcloth daily.
- Not sharing towels or washcloths.
- Changing your pillowcases often.
- Throwing away old eye cosmetics like mascara.
- Not sharing eye cosmetics or personal eye care items. Additionally, newborns are at a higher risk for pink eye due to bacteria present in the birth canal. To prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, an antibiotic ointment is applied to their eyes shortly after birth. While pink eye is generally not serious and does not typically affect vision, it can be contagious. To help prevent its spread, it's essential to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with others if you or your child have symptoms.
Home Remedies
The most effective way to manage pink eye is to practice good hygiene and seek prompt evaluation and treatment from a healthcare provider. Remember to avoid touching your eyes with your hands, wash your hands often, use a clean towel and washcloth daily, don't share towels or washcloths, change your pillowcases often, and throw away old eye cosmetics. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider. It's important to note that pink eye caused by viral or bacterial infections typically resolves on its own within a few days to a week. However, if your symptoms don't improve or worsen, it's essential to seek medical attention.
Treatment
The treatments for pink eye typically depend on the cause of the infection. Here are some general treatment options:
- Viral conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting, meaning it will resolve on its own within a week or so. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms while the infection runs its course. This may include using over-the-counter artificial tears, cold or warm compresses, and antihistamines to reduce itching.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis may require prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Finish the full course of medication as directed by your healthcare provider, even if your symptoms improve.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: For allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines may help alleviate symptoms. Artificial tears can also provide relief.
- Chemical splash or foreign object: If pink eye is caused by a chemical splash or foreign object, prompt flushing of the eye and medical attention may be necessary to prevent further complications. It's important to note that if your symptoms are severe, worsening, or you experience additional symptoms like eye pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes, you should seek urgent care from an eye doctor. Remember to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of pink eye. This includes washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your eyes, and not sharing personal items like towels or eye cosmetics.