Conjunctivitis / Pink Eye

The conjunctiva is the thin, clear membrane over the white part of the eye, lining the eyelids as well. Inflammation of this membrane is called conjunctivitis or pink eye.

Signs of Conjunctivitis

When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, it gives the eye a reddish tinge, hence the common name of "pink eye." The eye also may hurt or itch.

How can you tell what type of conjunctivitis you have? The way your eyes feel will give some clues:

Viral conjunctivitis usually affects only one eye and causes excessive eye watering and a light discharge

Bacterial conjunctivitis affects both eyes and causes a heavy discharge, sometimes greenish

Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes, and causes itching and redness in the eyes and sometimes the nose, as well as excessive tearing. A special type of allergic conjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, affects contact lens wearers.

To pinpoint the cause and then choose an appropriate treatment, your doctor will ask some questions, examine your eyes, and possibly collect a sample on a swab to send out for analysis. Give a careful account of the episode, because oftentimes your answers alone with reveal the diagnosis.

What Causes Pink Eye?

Conjunctivitis may be triggered by a virus, bacteria or an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, smoke, fumes or chemicals. Bacterial and viral systemic infections also may induce conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis Treatment

Avoidance. Your first line of defense is to avoid the cause of conjunctivitis. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis spread easily to others. Here are some tips to avoid spreading the conditions or re-infecting yourself:

Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes

Don't share washcloths, towels or pillowcases with anyone else, and wash these items after each use

Don't share eyedrops or cosmetics such as eyeliner, eye shadow or mascara. Replace them after you're healed, to avoid re-infection

Your eyecare practitioner may recommend that you discontinue contact lens wear during this time or replace your contact lenses after you're healed

Warm compresses may help soothe your eyes if you have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis Medication

Doctors don't normally prescribe medication for viral conjunctivitis because it usually clears up on its own within a few days. Antibiotic eyedrops will alleviate bacterial conjunctivitis, whereas antihistamine allergy pills or eyedrops will help control allergic conjunctivitis symptoms.

Usually, conjunctivitis is a minor eye infection, but sometimes it can develop into a more serious condition. See your eyecare practitioner for a diagnosis before using any eyedrops in your medicine cabinet from previous infections or eye problems.