Overview of Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Pink eye is inflammation of the eyelid and ocular membrane. The conjunctiva membrane and inflammatory conjunctival blood vessels stand out. This turns eye whites crimson or pink. Pink eye is conjunctivitis.
Viral infections cause most pink eyes. A bacterial infection, allergic reaction, or incompletely opened tear duct in babies can also cause it.
Conjunctivitis irritates but seldom blinds. Pink eye treatments reduce pain. Pink eye can spread; therefore, early diagnosis and protection are crucial.
Symptoms
- Redness in one or both eyes.
- Itchiness in one or both eyes.
- A gritty feeling in one or both eyes.
- A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning.
- Tearing.
- Sensitivity to light, called photophobia.
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When to see a doctor
There are significant eye disorders that cause redness. They can cause eye pain, a sense of something in your eye, impaired vision, and light sensitivity. If these symptoms occur, get immediate attention.
Contact wearers should remove them when pink eye symptoms appear. Check for contact lens-related eye infections if your symptoms don’t improve within 12–24 hours.
Causes
- Viruses.
- Bacteria.
- Allergies.
- A chemical splash in the eye.
- A foreign object in the eye.
- In newborns, a blocked tear duct.
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis
This disease is usually caused by adenoviruses; however, herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses can also cause it.
The V&B conjunctivitis can accompany colds and sore throats. Uncleaned or borrowed contact lenses can cause bacterial conjunctivitis.
Both spread. Contact with infected eye discharge spreads them. Impact may affect both eyes.
Read More: All Educational institutions in Punjab will be closed until Sunday due to conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Pollen causes allergic conjunctivitis in both eyes. Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E in reaction to allergens. IgE causes eye and airway mucous cells to release histamines and other inflammatory chemicals. Histamine releases can cause red or pink eyes and other allergy symptoms.
Allergic conjunctivitis produces acute eye itching, tears, inflammation, sneezing, and a runny nose.Most allergic conjunctivitis is treatable with eye drops. Allergic conjunctivitis is not communicable.
Conjunctivitis resulting from irritation
Chemical splashes or foreign objects can cause conjunctivitis. Sometimes flushing and washing the eye to remove chemicals or objects causes redness and irritation. Watery eyes and mucous discharge normally go away within a day.
If flushing doesn’t work and the substance is corrosive, like lye, consult a doctor or eye doctor immediately. Chemical splashes can permanently harm the eyes. Continued symptoms may indicate a foreign body in your eye. You could potentially have a corneal or conjunctival scrape.
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Risk factors
- Exposure to someone infected with the viral or bacterial form of conjunctivitis.
- Exposure to something you’re allergic to, for allergic conjunctivitis.
- Using contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses.
Complications of conjunctivitis
In infants and adults, conjunctivitis can cause corneal inflammation that impairs vision. Your doctor’s prompt examination and treatment can reduce complications. Contact your provider if you experience:
• Feeling like something is stuck in your eye.
• Vision blurred.
• Sensitivity to light
Prevention
Improve cleanliness to prevent pink eye. For example, avoid touching your eyes
• Regularly wash your hands.
• Daily use of clean towels and washcloths
. Do not share towels or washcloths.
• Change pillow cases frequently.
• Discard old eye makeup, like mascara.
• Do not share eye makeup or personal care items.
Remember that pink eye is not contagious like a cold? You can return to work, school, or child care if you avoid direct contact and clean up.However, if work, school, or child care require close contact, you may want to stay home until your symptoms improve.
Preventing pink eye in newborns
Mother’s-birth canal germs can infect newborns’ eyes. Mothers rarely have symptoms from these germs. Babies can get ophthalmia neonatorum, a dangerous conjunctivitis that requires early treatment to save sight. Every newborn’s eyes are ointment with antibiotic ointment shortly after birth. Ointment prevents eye infections.
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