Overview

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition characterized by redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent layer of tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Pink eye is usually mild but highly contagious, especially in children. It can be caused by infections, allergies, or irritants and generally resolves within a week or two with proper care.

Causes

Pink eye can develop from several causes, which determine how it spreads and how it is treated:

• Viral Conjunctivitis: Caused by viruses such as adenovirus, it spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces.
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae, transmitted through direct contact with infected hands, objects, or eye secretions.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander; it is not contagious but can cause significant discomfort.
• Irritant Conjunctivitis: Results from exposure to irritants such as smoke, chlorine in swimming pools, or chemicals, leading to temporary eye redness and irritation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pink eye vary slightly depending on the underlying cause but commonly include:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Itchy or burning sensation
• Watery or thick yellow/green discharge, especially with bacterial conjunctivitis
• Crusting of the eyelids or lashes, particularly after sleep
• Swollen eyelids
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Foreign body sensation (feeling like something is in the eye)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pink eye is usually based on a clinical examination by a healthcare provider:

• Physical Examination: An eye exam to observe redness, discharge, and swelling.
• Patient History: Questions about recent illnesses, exposure to allergens, or contact with infected individuals.
• Lab Tests: In rare cases, a sample of eye discharge may be tested to identify bacterial or viral causes, especially in severe or recurrent cases.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis:

• Viral Conjunctivitis: Usually resolves on its own in 1-2 weeks; supportive care like cold compresses and artificial tears can help relieve symptoms.
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Often treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments, which speed up recovery and reduce contagion.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Managed with antihistamine or anti-allergy eye drops and avoiding allergen exposure.
• Irritant Conjunctivitis: Improves by flushing the eyes with clean water and avoiding further exposure to irritants.
• General Advice: Maintaining good hygiene, washing hands frequently, and avoiding sharing towels or makeup helps prevent spreading pink eye.

Prognosis

The prognosis for pink eye is excellent in most cases. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis generally resolve within 7 to 10 days with or without treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis may persist as long as allergen exposure continues but is manageable with proper medication. Complications are rare but may occur if conjunctivitis is neglected, especially in bacterial cases. With early care and proper hygiene, most people recover completely without long-term effects.