Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis
Pink eye occurs in the clear membrane over the white part of the eye, known as the conjunctiva, causing the eye to look bloodshot. The pink or red color is due to inflammation, and conjunctivitis may also make your eye feel itchy.
There are several types of pink eye, so how can you tell what type you have? Generally speaking, the way your eyes feel and the symptoms you exhibit will provide some clues:
- Bacterial conjunctivitis occurs in both eyes and causes a heavy discharge that can be greenish at times.
- Viral conjunctivitis is short lived and usually occurs only in one eye and causes excessive eye watering and a light discharge.
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis usually occurs in both eyes and causes contact lens intolerance, itching, a heavy discharge, tearing and red bumps on the underside of the eyelids.
- Allergic conjunctivitis occurs in both eyes and causes itching and redness in the eyes, occasionally in the nose, and excessive tearing.
Conjunctivitis can come about by a virus, bacteria, an allergic reaction (to dust, pollen, smoke, fumes or chemicals) or a foreign body on the eye.
The best pink eye treatment is to avoid the causes – easier said than done – as both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, two of the more common types of conjunctivitis, spread easily to others. Warm compresses can be used to help relieve some of the itchiness and discomfort.
Usually, conjunctivitis is a minor eye infection, but sometimes it can develop into a more serious condition. Visit your eye doctor for a diagnosis before using any eye drops in your medicine cabinet from previous infections or eye problems.