Viral
Viral conjunctivitis, a virus infection of the eye that is very contagious, typically begins in one eye and then spreads to the other within days. Those with viral conjunctivitis may experience common cold or flu symptoms, such as a sore throat or fever, and discharge is usually watery rather than thick. It can be caused by rubbing your eyes and transferring germs from your hands to your eyes, so make sure to wash your hands often with soap and water when you have the sniffles.
Bacterial
Bacterial conjunctivitis, a bacterial infection of the eye that sometimes occurs with an ear infection, is more common in children than adults. Like viral conjunctivitis, it is also highly contagious. According to a study, this form of pink eye is the leading cause of children staying home from daycare or school. The discharge, or pus, associated with bacterial conjunctivitis can cause eyelashes to stick together.
Allergens
Allergic conjunctivitis is a result of the body's reaction to allergens, such as pollen from trees, dust mites or makeup. Unlike viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, this form of pink eye is not contagious, but it does usually occur in both eyes. A discharge is not typically associated with this form. Instead, the eyes can become swollen, intensely itchy and watery.
Irritants
Irritants that cause conjunctivitis can include a foreign body (like an eye lash), chemicals, fumes, dust or smoke. Contact lenses that are worn longer than recommended or not cleaned can also lead to this form of pink eye. While not contagious, eyes can become watery and produce a mucus discharge.
Despite the cause of pink eye, the symptoms generally are the same and can include:
Newborns with pink eye symptoms should see their pediatrician immediately. An infection, irritation or a blocked tear duct can be the cause of neonatal conjunctivitis in a newborn. If the cause is an infection, neonatal conjunctivitis can be very serious.
Eye redness or swelling is a clear indicator of pink eye, but other symptoms can vary depending on the root cause. However, since many of the symptoms are similar, it can be difficult for a healthcare professional to determine the exact cause.
When seeking treatment at a SCC Corsicana, patient history, symptoms and an examination will be used to come up with a diagnosis. If deemed necessary, a sample of discharge from the infected eye(s) may be collected and sent to a lab in order to determine the form of infection.
In many cases, pink eye will clear on its own, but here are a few considerations for instances when you should seek professional help:
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, has four main forms: viral, bacterial, allergic, and irritant. Among these, viral conjunctivitis is generally mild and often resolves within seven to fourteen days without treatment. In severe cases, antiviral medication may be prescribed. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotics, usually in the form of eye drops or ointment. Mild cases may improve on their own within two to five days. Allergic conjunctivitis can be managed with eye drops containing antihistamines or vasoconstrictors, or by avoiding the allergen.
The healthcare professionals at SCC Corsicana can accurately diagnose the type of pink eye you have and recommend appropriate treatment options, whether it's caused by a virus, bacteria, allergens, or irritants.
To alleviate discomfort, consider using over-the-counter cold compresses and artificial tears to soothe inflammation and dryness. When applying a cold compress, it’s crucial to avoid touching both eyes with the same cloth to minimize the risk of spreading infection. Use a clean cloth for each eye.
When pink eye is caused by a virus or bacteria, it is very contagious and spreads easily and quickly from person to person. You can reduce the risk of getting or spreading it by following these basic prevention steps:
If you wear contact lenses, you should stop wearing them until the infection clears. It's recommended to start with a fresh pair of contacts or clean your current pair thoroughly before reusing.
