Understanding Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Causes, Symptoms & Care
Ever woken up with red, itchy or crusty eyes? If you have, you might have had conjunctivitis, which is also called pink eye. This is one of the most common eye infections, affecting people of all ages. Although it’s typically mild and eventually goes away on its own, it can also spread easily and be uncomfortable.
Whether due to an infection, allergies, or irritants, recognising the symptoms and how to treat them can make a big difference in the way you treat your symptoms. In this post, we’ll discuss the causes, symptoms, treatment, and tips for preventing conjunctivitis so you can always be well informed and prepared.
What is Conjunctivitis?
The swelling and inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the white portion of the eye, is known as conjunctivitis. When this membrane becomes inflamed or infected, the blood vessels in it become swollen and cause the eye to look pink or red – hence the description “pink eye”.
Is it serious?
The majority of conjunctivitis cases are mild and will go away on their own within 1 to 2 weeks. But depending on the form ― like bacterial or viral conjunctivitis ― infections can be very contagious and sometimes warrant medical help. Although it is not communicable, pink eye caused by allergies or irritants is becoming more and more unpleasant every minute.
Causes of Conjunctivitis
There are different types of conjunctivitis that will respond to treatment slightly differently.
Infectious Causes
- Viral Conjunctivitis – Normally associated with colds and respiratory infections, this type is a result of viruses, such as adenovirus. It is contagious and often starts in one eye before the other.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis – This is most common in children, who see yellow or green sticky discharge as a result of bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.
Allergic Reactions
- Allergic conjunctivitis is an immune response to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander that usually impacts both eyes and, in most cases, tends to be seasonal.
Irritants
- The eyes can be irritated by smoke, chlorine (if swimming), shampoo, or environmental pollens and pollutants, resulting in redness and discomfort, but this is often temporary.
Product Sensitivities
- Certain individuals are sensitive to eye drops, contact lens solutions or cosmetics, which can cause a condition similar to conjunctivitis when applied to the eye.
Common Symptoms
You can help manage conjunctivitis effectively by identifying the symptoms early:
- White part of the eye turns red or pink
- Itching or stinging
- Thick or thin discharge (clear, white, yellow, or green)
- Swollen eyelids
- Crusty eyes, especially upon waking
- Sensitivity to light (cases of severe condition)
If you have eye problems, vision changes, or eye pain, or your symptoms do not get better, you should seek medical help immediately.
How Conjunctivitis Spreads
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are both very contagious and can spread:
- Through unwashed hands rubbed in eyes
- By sharing towels or pillows
- Being in close contact with an infected person
To avoid contagion, keep very clean and do not touch your eyes.
Diagnosis
A doctor can diagnose conjunctivitis based on:
- Eye examination by the appearance
- Taking a brief medical history (past few illnesses, allergies, or contact lens wear)
- A swab test (if mild and the cause unknown)
Treatment Options
Viral Conjunctivitis
- The infection typically resolves in 7–10 days without treatment
- Cold compresses and artificial tears can provide relief from the irritation
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Antibiotic-containing drops or ointments (prescription)
- Signs ameliorate 2–3 days later
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Eye drops or oral antihistamines
- Avoiding allergens is key
Conjunctivitis from Irritants
- Rinse eyes with clean water
- Take out your contact lenses and avoid irritants
Home Care and Management Tips
For relief of pain and to facilitate recovery:
✔ Refrain from rubbing your eyes (to prevent further irritation)
✔ Use clean tissues to wipe the discharge
✔ Wash hands frequently
✔ Do not wear contact lenses until you are fully recovered
✔ Apply a cool pack or warm compress for comfort
✔ Remove outdated eye makeup to prevent infection
When to See a Doctor
Most cases resolve without treatment, but see a doctor if:
- Symptoms last for over one week
- There’s severe pain or vision is blurred
- You become sensitive to light
- Redness or swelling worsens
Prevention Tips
It is easier to avoid conjunctivitis than to treat it:
- Refrain from needlessly irritating your eyes
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, particularly after sneezing or coughing
- Avoid sharing towels, make-up or contact lenses
- Clean eyeglasses frequently
- Wear goggles when in areas with a lot of dust or smoke
Conclusion
Conjunctivitis is common, although it can be painful and very contagious. Knowing what causes it and what the symptoms and treatments are can help you to recognise and manage your condition. However, if symptoms do not clear, people are urged to contact Chase Lodge Hospital for professional advice.
You can lower your risk of pink eye by practising good hygiene and taking precautions. If you or a loved one suffer from ongoing symptoms, book an appointment with our experts for professional support.
Stay awake, stay safe and keep your eyes open!
Chase Lodge Hospital – Your choice for eye health and wellbeing.
Do you want to schedule an appointment or get a quote? Contact us today!
