What is Conjunctivitis “Pink Eye”?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation or infection of the membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the inside of your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. There are three main types of conjunctivitis:
- Allergic Conjunctivitis- Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergies and is not contagious.
- Infectious Conjunctivitis- Infectious conjunctivitis is contagious and spreads by skin-to-skin contact and by touching contaminated surfaces. Viruses and bacteria usually cause infectious conjunctivitis.
- Chemical Conjunctivitis- Chemical conjunctivitis, also known as toxic pink eye, is caused by getting smoke, fumes, or chemicals in the eye, and it is not contagious.
How is Conjunctivitis “Pink Eye” diagnosed?
Pink Eye is diagnosed by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist with an eye examination.
What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis “Pink Eye”?
The most common symptoms of pink eye are:
- Puffy, Redness, or itching of the eyelid
- Thick yellow discharge from the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Gritty feeling in one or both eyes
- Blurred vision
- Severe pain
What is the treatment for Conjunctivitis “Pink Eye”?
Pink eye is quite common, and most of the time, pink eye will approve on its own. Treatment focuses on the symptoms. Your doctor may recommend cleaning your eye with a wet cloth, using artificial tears, and applying cold compresses daily. More severe cases of conjunctivitis may need treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medications.
Additional information
It is imperative to stop wearing contact lenses when contracting conjunctivitis, and you should dispose of any contact lenses worn before contracting it.
