Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a condition that causes the white part of your eye to turn pink or red due to inflammation and irritation. It can lead to watery or pus-like discharge and can even be contagious. In this article, we’ll break down how to identify pink eye, the different types, their symptoms, available treatments, and prevention tips.
What is Pink Eye and How Can You Identify It?
Pink eye is caused by inflammation or infection of the clear tissue covering the eyeball and inner eyelids. You’ll usually notice the following symptoms:
- Redness in the white part of the eye
- Watery discharge
- Sticky mucus or pus
- Crusting around your eye
- Swelling or puffiness of the eyelid
Additionally, pink eye may come with sensations of pain, stinging, burning, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light.
Different Types of Pink Eye and Their Symptoms
- Viral Pink Eye: Caused by a viral infection, this type of pink eye is highly contagious and spreads quickly in crowded places. Symptoms may include burning, redness, watery discharge, and even a runny nose or sore throat.
- Bacterial Pink Eye: This is another contagious form of conjunctivitis, which may cause your eye to be sore with a sticky pus discharge. It may be linked to other bacterial infections like strep throat.
- Allergic Pink Eye: Not contagious, this type occurs when your eyes react to allergens like pollen or dust. It can cause redness, puffiness, watery eyes, and intense itching.
Diagnosing and Treating Pink Eye
Pink eye is typically diagnosed based on its appearance and symptoms. If your doctor suspects a bacterial infection, they may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. For viral pink eye, treatment usually focuses on comfort measures since it typically resolves on its own. Allergic pink eye may be treated with lubricating or soothing drops.
While viral pink eye can take up to 3 weeks to resolve, bacterial types can improve within 2 to 5 days, and allergic pink eye may come and go depending on the trigger.
How to Prevent the Spread of Pink Eye
Since pink eye is highly contagious, it’s important to practice proper hygiene to prevent spreading it to others. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, and clean any surfaces or items that may have come in contact with your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does pink eye last?
- It can take up to 3 weeks to resolve fully, depending on the cause.
- Do eye drops help with pink eye?
- Antibacterial drops can help if the infection is bacterial, but they won’t work for viral or allergic conjunctivitis.
- What causes pink eye?
- It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or an allergic reaction to irritants.
Takeaway
Pink eye typically resolves on its own, but in some cases, it may require treatment. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.
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