Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye", is an inflammation of the membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelid. The conjunctiva is a clear membrane that forms the "skin" over the white part of the eye. The conjunctiva has many small blood vessels and it serves to lubricate and protect the eye while the eye moves in its socket. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, the blood vessels enlarge, making the eye appear red in color.

What causes conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or it can be the result of an allergic reaction or chemical irritation to the eye. Many types of chemicals can irritate the conjunctiva and cause conjunctivitis. Spray perfumes, deodorants, household cleaners and industrial pollutants are some of the causes of chemical conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can also be an allergic reaction. Eye Allergies can be caused by pollutants such as pollen or dust, contact lenses, or contact lens solutions. Eye infections from bacteria or viruses can be contracted from person to person through contact with infected body fluids such as contaminated tears or nasal fluids.

What are symptoms of conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is characterized by redness, swelling, pain, burning, itching or a foreign body sensation in the eye. The patient may experience photophobia (sensitivity to light), swelling of the lids and/or discharge from the eyes. The consistency of the discharge may range from watery to purulent (pus-like), while the color of the discharge may be white, yellow or green, depending on the specific cause of the conjunctivitis. Viral infections typically cause watering, redness and light-colored mucus, whereas bacterial infections cause redness with thicker and darker mucus. Allergies usually cause watering and itching with minimal discharge.

What is the treatment for conjunctivitis?

Viral conjunctivitis, the most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis, is caused by a viral infection just like the common cold. Often, the conjunctivitis will be preceded by recent cold or flu symptoms. Just like the common cold, these infections of the eye have no immediate cure, but will gradually improve on their own without treatment. It may take up to two weeks for the infections to completely resolve. Eye drops are sometimes prescribed to ease the symptoms while the infection runs its course.

Bacterial conjunctivitis benefits from treatment with antibiotic eye drops. Conjunctivitis from Eye Allergies can usually be managed with a combination of over-the-counter allergy pills, allergy eye drops, artificial tears, and cold compresses. Severe allergies may require prescription eye drops.

What are some precautions I need to take?

Viral conjunctivitis is very contagious. A person is contagious for up to 14 days after the first symptoms of conjunctivitis appear. To prevent spread of bacterial or viral conjunctivitis:

• wash your hands after touching your eyes.
• do not wipe both eyes with the same tissue.
• throw away the tissue every time you wipe your eye.
• do not let others use your towels, washcloths or pillowcases
• wash you hands BEFORE and AFTER touching the area around your eyes or when using eye medications.
• do not share eye makeup or cosmetics of any kind with anyone else.