What is pink eye?

Pink Eye also known as conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. When the eye turns reddish or pink it means that small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed and they become invisible.

Causes of pink eye

The inflammation in blood vessels of the eyes could be due to:

Viruses: Viruses are the most common cause of pink eye. Such as the common cold or COVID-19, are among the viruses that can cause pink eye.

Bacteria: Bacterial conjunctivitis includes Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Allergens: including pollen, dust, smoke, medicines, or other substances such as shampoos, cosmetics, contact lenses, and especially pool chlorine can also lead to pink eye.

Symptoms of pink eye

Symptoms of pink eye include:

1. Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid.
2. Increased tearing.
3. Discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep.
4. Gritty feeling in one or both eyes.
5. Itchy eyes (especially in the pink eye caused by allergies).
6. Burning eyes (especially in the pink eye caused by chemicals and irritants).
7. Blurred vision.
8. Increased sensitivity to light.
9. Swollen eyelids.

Diagnosis of pink eye

There are some other serious eye diseases that can result from eye redness. This may cause eye pain, blurred vision and a subtle sensitivity. If you have all these symptoms contact your nearest eye hospital immediately.
People who wear contact lenses must stop wearing them immediately and make an appointment with your eye doctor to prevent any further complications.

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Your ophthalmologist will examine your eyes and an acuity test may be done to see if vision is affected. Diagnosis of pink eye is  usually done on the basis of symptoms and health history.

Is pink-eye contagious & How does pink eye spread?

Since Pink eye is caused by viruses or bacteria ,they can be very easily transmitted from person to person. It is contagious. If you get pink eye due to bacteria, you can infect people around you within 24 to 48 hours after starting the medication. If you have it from a virus, you can spread it around as long as you have symptoms and or in some cases even before developing any symptoms. Pink eye caused by an allergy is not contagious. By using low quality or unhygienic eye makeup products or by sharing becomes contaminated with bacteria or viruses. By touching contaminated surfaces with bacteria or virus then touching your eyes without washing your hands is also medium to spread infection. 

It’s best recommended to confine yourself indoors until recovered in order to limit it’s spreadability, keep in regular touch with your eye doctor and keep following the instructions and medication given by the eye specialist.

Treatment of pink eye

As it’s said, prevention is better than cure. Practicing good Eye care hygiene can control the spread of pink eye. Some tips on hygiene are :

1. Avoid touching your eyes with your hands
2. Wash your hands regularly
3. Use a clean towel or washcloth daily.
4. Don’t share towels or eye makeup products
5. Change pillowcase regularly
6. Take good care of your eyes and keep lubricating the with eye drops as prescribed by your doctor

Keep this in mind that pink eyes are contagious just like the common cold. Take good rest and return to your work, college or school once you feel a little better. Stay consistent in hygiene for your eyes.

If diagnosed at an early stage of infection, early treatment can bring you ease and lead to faster recovery.

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