Pink eye causes and treatment
Conjunctivitis, which is commonly called “pink eye,” is an infection or swelling in the eye area. Blood vessels in the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that lines part of the eye, become inflamed. This gives the eye a red or pink color that’s commonly associated with conjunctivitis.
What Causes Pink Eye?
4 of the most common causes of pink eye are:
Virus or Bacteria Colds
Bacterial conjunctivitis is most often caused by the same type of bacteria that causes strep throat and staph infections. Conjunctivitis from a virus, on the other hand, is usually the result of one of the viruses that cause the common cold. Whatever the cause, however, pink eye is considered highly contagious, and can spread from one person to another quite easily by hand contact.
Allergic Reactions
Allergens like pollen can cause pink eye in one or both eyes. They stimulate the body to create more histamines which cause inflammation as a part of the body’s response to what it thinks is an infection. This, in turn, causes allergic conjunctivitis.
Chemical Contact
You also need to be careful if a foreign substance or chemical splashes into your eyes. Chemicals like chlorine found in backyard swimming pools can cause conjunctivitis. Rinsing your eyes with water is a simple and effective way to keep a chemical irritant from causing pink eye.
The Symptoms of Pink Eye
Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis is very contagious, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms. The condition can be passed along to others up to two weeks after it develops. Talk with your doctor about treatment if you experience:
pink or red toned eyes
a gritty feeling in the eyes
watery or thick discharge that builds up on the eye at night
itchiness
abnormal amount of tears
How Is Pink Eye Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of pink eye is not difficult. Your doctor will be able to tell if you have pink eye simply by asking you a few questions and looking at your eye. If necessary, he might take a fluid (tear) sample from the conjunctiva and send it to a lab for further analysis.
Treatments for Pink Eye
Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on what caused it. If your pink eye is the result of a chemical irritant, there’s a good chance that it will go away on its own in a few days. If it’s the result of a bacteria, virus, or allergen, there are a few treatment options.
