Pink Eye

Symptoms of pink eye may include redness of the eye, itching, burning, a discharge from the eye, and crusting of the eyelashes, especially after sleep. In some cases, pink eye may also cause blurred vision or sensitivity to light. Pink eye can be contagious and can spread easily through close contact with an infected person or through sharing towels, pillows, or other personal items. Treatment may include over-the-counter or prescription eye drops, warm compresses, and good hygiene practices. In most cases, pink eye resolves on its own within a few days to a week.

What causes pink eye?

• Infections: caused by a variety of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Allergies: allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by exposure to allergens such as pollen, mold, dust, or animal dander.
• Physical irritants: foreign objects in the eye or irritation from contact lenses.
• Irritants: exposure to smoke, chemicals, or pollutants.
• Other health conditions: blepharitis, dry eye, or orbital cellulitis.

Viral conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common cause of pink eye and is highly contagious. Symptoms may include redness, itching, watering, and a typically clear, watery discharge, along with swelling of the eyelids, light sensitivity, and a gritty feeling. It is usually self-limiting and will resolve on its own without treatment, though good hygiene helps prevent spreading it to others. Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops or warm compresses may help alleviate symptoms; antiviral medication is not typically recommended.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common than viral conjunctivitis but can be more serious if left untreated. Symptoms may include redness, itching, a thick yellow or green discharge, and crusting of the eyelashes, along with possible blurred vision or light sensitivity. It is typically treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment — finish the entire course as prescribed to ensure the infection is fully cleared.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to allergens such as pollen, mold, dust, or animal dander. It is not contagious and is more common in people with allergies or asthma. Symptoms may include redness, itching, watering, swelling of the eyelids, a thin watery discharge, blurred vision, or a gritty feeling. Treatment may include over-the-counter or prescription eye drops, antihistamines, or decongestants; avoiding allergen exposure and practicing good hygiene helps prevent it.

How do I know if I'm getting pink eye?

Common symptoms include redness, itching, watering, and a discharge from the eye — the appearance of the discharge varies by cause: clear and watery for viral conjunctivitis, thicker and yellow or green for bacterial, and thin and watery for allergic. Proper treatment and good hygiene practices help prevent the spread of pink eye and ensure the condition does not worsen.

Symptoms of pink eye may include

1. Redness of the eye
2. Itching
3. Burning sensation
4. Watering of the eye
5. Discharge — clear and watery, thick and yellow/green, or thin and watery depending on the cause
6. Swelling of the eyelids
7. Crusting of the eyelashes, especially after sleep
8. Blurred vision
9. Sensitivity to light
10. A feeling of grit in the eye

Treatment for conjunctivitis

The best treatment depends on the cause of the condition:

• Viral conjunctivitis: self-care measures such as warm compresses and over-the-counter lubricating eye drops. Antiviral medication is not typically recommended, as the condition is usually self-limiting.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: antibiotic eye drops or ointment to kill the bacteria. Finish the entire course as prescribed by your pharmacist.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: over-the-counter or prescription eye drops, antihistamines, or decongestants. Avoiding allergens and practicing good hygiene helps prevent it.

Non-pharmacological management

In addition to prescribed medication, several self-care measures can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing:

• Apply warm compresses to the affected eye to reduce redness and swelling and loosen discharge.
• Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to alleviate dryness, itching, and discomfort.
• Avoid touching your eyes — touching can spread the infection and worsen symptoms.
• Wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
• Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or other personal items.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses while you have pink eye.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can irritate the conjunctiva and worsen symptoms.

How to stop conjunctivitis from spreading