What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, or conjunctiva is an inflammation or infection of the membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and part of your eyeball.
Both bacterial and viral types of pink eye are highly contagious. Keep your hands away from your eyes and continually wash them to prevent further breakouts.
Possible Symptoms of Pink Eye
- Redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelid
- Increased amount of tears
- White, yellow or green eye discharge
- Itchy eyes
- Burning eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Gritty feeling in the eye
- Crusting of eyelids or lashes
Causes of Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis is caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens (like pet dander or dust mites), and irritants (like smog or swimming pool chlorine).
Treatment Options
Both viral and allergic conjunctivitis have symptoms that tend to resolve themselves within days to a few weeks, while bacterial conjunctivitis will usually be treated with antibiotic eye drops. In order to soothe the allergic eye from discomfort, it may be helpful to apply warm compresses with a clean cloth. If severe symptoms appear such as blurred vision, severe pain or intense redness in the eye(s) seek out a healthcare professional.
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Conjunctivitis/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002005/