We can often see children suffering from many conditions. Pink eye is one of the most common conditions that occurs mostly in childhood days. Pink eye has an infamous reputation because certain types of conjunctivitis are contagious and spread quickly. The most typical symptoms of pink eye include burning and irritation in the eyes, discharge, and pink or red staining of the eye whites. In this write-up, we will discuss what is pink eye, different types and the causes, symptoms, treatments.
What is pink eye ?
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent membrane that covers the sclera, the white area of the eye, and the inside of your eyelids. If you are wondering what is pink eye, you should know that it is a common eye condition especially in children. The hallmark symptom of pink eye is redness or a pinkish colour in the whites of the eyes, which is where it gets its name.
Different Types of Conjunctivitis
Now that you know what is pink eye, let’s have a look at the the three main types of pink eye. They are: viral, bacterial, and allergic.
1. Viral conjunctivitis
a) Causes
- Caused by infection with adenoviruses, picornaviruses, herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, and other strains.
- Highly contagious viral infection spread through direct contact with discharge from an infected person’s eye or contaminated hands/objects.
b) Symptoms
- Eye redness, irritation, and swelling of the conjunctiva (clear membrane covering the eye).
- Excessive watery discharge or thicker mucoid discharge.
- Gritty, burning, itchy feeling in the eyes.
- Pink or red colour in the whites of the eyes.
- Light sensitivity but typically no change in vision.
- Symptoms usually affect one eye initially but often spread to the second eye.
- Discomfort typically worsens for the first 3-5 days.
c) Treatments
- Most cases resolve without treatment within 7-14 days.
- Cool compresses and artificial tear ointments help soothe eyes.
- Oral antihistamines like Zyrtec can reduce itchiness and discharge.
- Vasoconstrictor eye drops narrow blood vessels to reduce redness.
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are ineffective against viruses.
- Avoid contact lenses until infection has cleared.
- Avoid touching or rubbing eyes to prevent spread. Wash hands frequently.
- Disinfect potentially contaminated surfaces, towels, and pillowcases.
2. Bacterial conjunctivitis
a) Causes
- Caused by bacterial infection of the conjunctiva with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and others.
- Less contagious than viral pink eye. It can be spread from an infected eye by direct contact.
- More common in children than adults. Higher risk in hot, humid climates.
- Can occur along with viral pink eye. The bacterial infection takes hold after the viral infection.
b) Symptoms
- Redness, swelling, and irritation of the conjunctiva.
- Yellowish, greenish, or white eye discharge. Discharge may be thick and purulent.
- Crusting around the eyes, especially upon waking. Eyes may be stuck shut.
- Gritty, burning, irritated feeling like something is in the eye.
- Pain or soreness of the eyes. Light sensitivity.
- Blurred vision if the cornea becomes infected.
c) Treatments
- Doctors usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments like ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, erythromycin to those who want to know what is pink eye and the treatment of it.
- Continue using antibiotics for the full course, usually 7-10 days. Do not stop early.
- In some cases, doctors prescribe oral antibiotics.
- Cool compresses help soothe eye irritation.
- Avoid reusing contaminated towels, pillowcases, or makeup.
- Resistance to antibiotics can develop with overuse. Always finish the prescribed course.
3. Bacterial conjunctivitis
a) Causes
- Caused by an allergic reaction to substances like pollen, animal dander, moulds, dust mites, cosmetics, eyedrops preservatives, and other allergens.
- The allergens trigger release of histamine and other chemicals that irritate the eyes.
- Not a contagious form of conjunctivitis.
- Often occurs along with other allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and runny nose.
b) Symptoms
- Itching, redness, watering and swelling of the eyes. Both eyes are usually affected.
- Clear, watery discharge from the eyes.
- Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes.
- Eyelids may swell and puff up.
- White areas under eyelids may form from chronic rubbing.
- Symptoms like itchiness are more pronounced than in viral/bacterial conjunctivitis.
- No impact on vision, though eyes may feel gritty and irritated.
c) Treatments
- Avoiding or limiting exposure to allergen triggers.
- Cool compresses, artificial tears, antihistamine eye drops for relief.
- Oral antihistamines like Claritin help control the body’s histamine response.
- Mast cell stabilisers eye drops like cromolyn sodium prevent histamine release.
- Nasal steroids sprays help if allergy symptoms are severe.
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots) can build tolerance to allergens over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is pink eye contagious?
A: Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious. Allergic pink eye is not. Good hygiene helps limit transmission of contagious types.
Q: How long does pink eye last?
A: Viral and allergic pink eye usually clears up within 1-2 weeks without treatment. Bacterial pink eye requires antibiotic eye drops for 7-10 days.
Q: How do you treat pink eye?
A: Viral pink eye usually resolves unaided. Bacterial pink eye needs antibiotic eye drops/ointment.
Q: Should you go to school with pink eye?
A: Children can return 24 hours after starting antibiotic eye drops for bacterial pink eye. They should stay home for the first few days of viral pink eye.
Q: Can pink eye cause permanent damage?
A: Most cases resolve without permanent effects. If you know what is pink eye and the treatment options, you can seek medical attention to prevent lasting damage.
Q: Does pink eye require a doctor visit?
A: See an optometrist or ophthalmologist if symptoms don’t improve in 1-2 days, vision worsens, or there is severe pain.
Q: Is there a vaccine for pink eye?
A: No vaccine yet exists for adenovirus strains that cause viral pink eye. Avoiding contact and good hygiene are the best preventive measures.
Overview
Knowing what is pink eye and the different types allows you to alleviate symptoms and limit transmission. Starting antibiotic eye drops quickly for bacterial conjunctivitis ensures the infection is fully cleared. This prevents complications like corneal scarring that could impair vision. Early intervention reduces contagious spread to others and facilitates a quicker recovery.