Pink Eye: All You Need to Know in 6 Photos

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a very common illness. It’s caused by inflammation of the whites of our eyes. It can be caused by allergies but is most commonly attributed to a bacterial or viral infection. Pink eye can be extremely contagious and is easily spread from person to person. Because it’s so contagious, it’s often spread to children in school. Wondering how to prevent it? 

Look no further! We’re going to go over everything you need to know about pink eye in a short and concise manner. We’ll talk about what the symptoms, what it’s caused by, how to prevent it, and some treatments you may want to know about to bring down the uncomfortable itchiness. Whatever you do, don’t scratch! 

Disclaimer: The information in this content is for general informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.

What Lifestyle Changes Help with Chronic Pink Eye?

If you experience pink eye on a regular basis, it could be considered chronic. The best way to treat this is to talk to your doctor about possible lifestyle changes you could make to prevent it occurring again. One solution could be to stop wearing contact lenses, or limit using the contact lenses to limit the exposure of foreign objects to your eye.

What is Pink Eye?

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a term describing a number of eye conditions that cause the inflammation of the conjunctiva. (The conjunctiva is a membrane that protects the eyelid and exposed portions of the sclera, or white of the eye.)

Pink eye is relatively common but unpleasant, causing 3 million school absences annually in the U.S., according to the American Journal of Infection Control. 

What Are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?

Pink eye is characterized by redness, itchiness, grittiness, discharge, and/or tearing in one or both of the eyes. Not all of these symptoms are always present, but the most common symptoms are redness and itchiness.

Is Pink Eye Caused by a Virus or Bacteria?

Both viruses and bacteria as well as allergies can cause pink eye. It can also be caused by foreign chemicals in the eye, foreign objects in the eye, or a clogged tear duct in infants. Pink eye is just the result of these causes rather than being a disease in and of itself.

What Are the Risk Factors of Pink Eye?

Pink eye risk factors include being exposed to something you are allergic to, exposure to the viral or bacterial forms of conjunctivitis, or using contact lenses.

What Causes Pink Eye?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common causes of pink eye include viruses, bacteria, allergies, and irritants.

Is Pink Eye Contagious?

Viral and bacterial forms of pink eye are quite contagious. They can be spread by an infected person’s fluids, generally through hand-to-eye contact. It is also possible to get pink eye from surfaces that commonly come into contact with other people’s eyes, such as wash cloths, pillowcases, and handkerchiefs.

What Does Pink Eye Look Like?

As its name implies, pink eye is often characterized by redness of the sclera, the white region of the eye. The cause of a particular case of pink eye can also determine its visible symptoms. Bacterial pink conjunctivitis is often accompanied by pus, while watery mucous is a common trait of viral conjunctivitis.

How Can Pink Eye Be Prevented?

Pink eye can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and reducing contact between eyes and hands or other surfaces. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid sharing items that commonly come in contact with others’ eyes, such as wash cloths, makeup, and pillowcases.

How Can Pink Eye Be Treated?

Most cases of pink eye will simply improve on their own, although some forms of the condition could require medical attention. Serious cases of viral conjunctivitis may require antiviral medications. Bacterial conjunctivitis can improve on its own, but your doctor may choose to prescribe antibacterial eye drops or ointment to speed up recovery. Allergic conjunctivitis often clears up when the allergen in question is removed. Irritant conjunctivitis is frequently treated by gently washing affected eyes with water.