Pink eye is the common term for conjunctivitis, which is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eyeball and lining the inner surface of the eyelids. When the small blood vessels within this membrane become swollen and irritated, they become more visible, causing the eye to appear reddish or pink. This condition can be caused by infection, allergies, or irritation.
Recognizable Signs of Conjunctivitis
The primary sign of pink eye is a reddish or bloodshot appearance in the whites of the eyes. This redness occurs because the blood vessels in the conjunctiva have dilated in response to inflammation or infection. The eye may also feel like it has a foreign object in it, often described as a gritty or sandy sensation.
Excessive tearing is common, as the eye attempts to flush out the irritant or infectious agent. The eyelids themselves may appear puffy or swollen. Symptoms often begin in one eye but frequently spread to affect the other eye as well.
Differentiating Pink Eye by Cause
Pink eye is broadly categorized into three main types: viral, bacterial, and allergic, each with slightly different characteristics that help in identification. Viral conjunctivitis is the most frequent type and is often associated with a preceding or concurrent upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or flu. The discharge produced in viral cases is typically thin and watery, and the condition often starts in one eye before spreading to the second eye within a day or two.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is distinguished by a thicker, more opaque discharge that is white, yellow, or greenish in color. This sticky discharge can cause the eyelids to crust over, sometimes gluing them shut, especially upon waking in the morning. Unlike the other types, bacterial pink eye is not usually accompanied by cold symptoms.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is marked by intense itching in both eyes. The body releases histamines in response to allergens like pollen or dust, leading to this severe itchiness, along with significant tearing and accompanying symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. Symptoms generally affect both eyes simultaneously and improve when the specific allergen is removed.
Immediate Home Care and Preventing Spread
Managing symptoms and preventing transmission are the next steps when pink eye is suspected. Applying a clean compress to the affected eye can help relieve discomfort; a cool compress often soothes inflammation and itchiness. If pink eye is only in one eye, use separate compresses for each eye to avoid transferring any infection.
Individuals who wear contact lenses should stop using them until the symptoms have completely resolved. Preventing spread requires meticulous hygiene, including frequent hand washing with soap and water. Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes, and use disposable paper tissues to wipe away any discharge. Do not share towels, washcloths, pillowcases, or eye makeup with others while symptoms are present.
Warning Signs Requiring a Doctor’s Visit
While many cases of pink eye resolve on their own, certain symptoms indicate that a medical consultation is necessary. Seek professional help if you experience severe eye pain or an intense feeling that something is lodged in the eye. Any changes to vision, such as blurred vision or a sudden loss of clarity that does not clear with blinking, requires urgent evaluation.
Extreme sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, suggests the inflammation may be more serious or affecting the cornea. If redness or swelling rapidly worsens, or if symptoms persist for longer than two weeks without improvement, consult a doctor. Contact lens wearers who develop pink eye symptoms should also seek prompt medical advice to rule out serious infections.