What Is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a condition in which the conjunctiva becomes inflamed. The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white area of the eye.

Is Conjunctivitis Contagious?

It’s a common occurrence among children. It’s highly contagious and spreads quickly in schools and daycares, yet it’s rarely fatal. If you have pink eye caused by bacteria, you can spread it while you are experiencing symptoms or until 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotic therapy. If you acquire pink eye from a virus, you can spread it for as long as you have symptoms, and sometimes even before they appear. This could last a few days. An allergy-induced pink eye is not communicable. The spread of pink eye is as follows:

• Bacterial or viral transmission during intimate contact (touching, shaking hands). When you contact your eye, germs transfer from the infected person’s hand to your hand and subsequently to your eye.
• By touching surfaces that have been contaminated with the bacteria or virus (from infected people who have transferred the germs from their hands to things), then contacting your eyes before washing your hands.
• By exchanging makeup that has become infected with bacteria or viruses, or by wearing dirty old eye makeup.

It’s unlikely that it’ll harm your vision, especially if you catch it early and cure it. Pinkeye clears up without causing long-term difficulties if you take precautions to prevent it from spreading and follow your doctor’s recommendations.

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

The pink or reddish color of pink eye is caused by swollen blood vessels in the membrane that covers your eye (the conjunctiva), making them more noticeable. The following factors contribute to the inflammation:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Allergies
• Foreign object in the eye
• Chemical splash in the eye
• A clogged tear in newborns
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Viral and Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Adenovirus causes the majority of pink eye instances, but it can also be caused by herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and a variety of other viruses, including the virus that causes coronavirus syndrome (COVID-19). Colds or indications of a respiratory infection, such as a scratchy throat, can both lead to viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by contact lenses that haven’t been properly cleaned or aren’t your own. Both are highly infectious. They are disseminated by coming into direct or indirect touch with the infected person’s eye’s drainage liquid. It’s possible that either one or both of your eyes will be affected.

Irritation-Induced Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis can also be caused by irritation from a chemical splash or a foreign item in your eye. Redness and irritation might occur as a result of flushing and cleansing the eye to remove the chemical or item. Watery eyes and a mucous discharge are common symptoms that normally go away on their own after approximately a day. If the symptoms persist after flushing, or if the chemical is caustic, such as lye, you should consult your doctor or an eye expert as soon as possible. A chemical splash in the eye can result in permanent vision loss. Persistent symptoms could signal that the foreign body is still in your eye, or that there is a scrape on the cornea or the eyeball’s coating.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is a reaction to an allergen such as pollen that affects both eyes. Immunoglobulin E is an antibody produced by your body in response to allergens. This antibody causes specific cells in the mucous lining of your eyes and airways called mast cells to release inflammatory compounds like histamines. The production of histamine by your body can cause a variety of allergy symptoms, including red or pink eyes. You may suffer stinging, tearing, and inflammation of the eyes, as well as sneezing and watery nasal discharge, if you have allergic conjunctivitis. Allergy eye drops can be used to treat most allergic conjunctivitis.

Sexually Transmitted Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis can be caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STD). Gonorrhea can cause bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a rare but deadly condition. If you don’t address it, it can lead to eyesight loss. Adults with chlamydia can also get conjunctivitis. You can also transfer pinkeye to an infant through your birth canal if you have chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other germs in your body when you give birth.

Symptoms of Pink Eye

• The white of the eye or the inner eyelid may be reddened
• Tear production is up
• Thick yellow secretion that forms a crust over the eyelashes, especially after sleeping (in conjunctivitis caused by bacteria)
• Other types of ocular discharge (green or white)
• In one or both eyes, a grittier sensation
• Eyes itch (especially in pink eye caused by allergies)
• Eyes stinging (especially in pink eye caused by chemicals and irritants)
• Vision is blurred
• Sensitivity to light has become more acute

How to Treat Pink Eye

Treatment of pink eye is dependent on the cause.

Treatment for Bacterial Pink Eye

Antibiotics will almost certainly be prescribed if your pink eye is caused by germs (eye drops, ointments or pills). Applying ointment to your or your child’s eye may be tough for you. You should not be concerned. If the ointment reaches the lashes, it will almost certainly melt and enter the eye. Within a week, the infection should subside. Even if your symptoms disappear, continue to take the medicine as directed by your doctor.

Treatment for Viral Pink Eye

Pink eye produced by a virus is not treatable with antibiotics. This type of pink eye, like a cold, must be let to run its course, which can last anywhere from four to seven days but can take up to 14 days to fully resolve. You can apply a cold compress or artificial tears several times a day to assist ease symptoms.

Treatment for Irritable Pink Eye

If your eyes become irritated as a result of a substance getting into them, rinse them for five minutes with a gentle stream of warm water. Excessive exposure to the irritants should be avoided. Within four hours of cleaning your eyes, you should see a difference. Also, if the material in your eyes is a strong acid or alkaline chemical (like drain cleaner), immediately flush your eyes with water and contact your doctor.

Treatment for Pink Eye Caused by Allergies

Prescription or over-the-counter eye drops containing antihistamines to suppress allergic reactions or anti-inflammatory medications such as steroids or decongestants are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis. You can temporarily reduce symptoms by applying a cold compress to closed eyes, or you can avoid the allergens that are causing your symptoms permanently by avoiding them.

Preventing the Spread of Pink Eye

Preventing the spread of pink eye can also be as simple as practicing good general hygiene and eye care. These are some of the practices:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, particularly before eating.
• Keep your vision clear. Using a fresh cotton ball or paper towel, wipe any discharge from your eyes several times a day. Discard the cotton ball or paper towel and wash your hands with soap and warm water afterward.
• Wash or replace your pillowcase on a daily basis until the infection is gone. When doing laundry, use hot water and detergent to clean your bed linens, pillowcases, and towels. Use paper towels or keep your personal towels, washcloths, and pillows separate from others.
• Keep your fingers away from your inflamed eye. To clean, use tissues.
• Never use or share eye cosmetics, eye drops, and contact lenses.
• Wear spectacles. Also, dispose of disposable lenses, and clean any eyeglass cases and extended-wear lenses.

Now that you Know…

Pink eye is usually not dangerous, and the good news is that you can easily treat and avoid it. Pink eye, unless it’s a severe case, can recover on its own without therapy. Treatment for bacterial or viral pink eye, on the other hand, can reduce the amount of time you or your child is contagious and has symptoms. To ease discomfort while recovering, apply a cool (or warm) compress. The greatest thing you can do is take the appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of pink eye or a recurrence. Always contact your healthcare practitioner if you have any questions or concerns.