Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, refers to the inflammation of the translucent layer that covers the eyelid and eyeball. It is typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or an underdeveloped tear duct in infants. Although pink eye doesn't have a significant impact on vision, it can be bothersome. Treatment options are available to alleviate discomfort. Pink eye is contagious, so it is important to diagnose it early and take precautions to minimize its spread.
Signs and Symptoms:
- The eyes become reddish, itchy, and have a sensation of grittiness.
- A crust forms overnight and may obstruct one or both eyes in the morning.
- There is excessive tearing and sensitivity to light.
When to Seek Medical Care:
While pink eye is generally harmless, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience redness accompanied by eye pain, the sensation of a foreign object in the eye, blurry vision, or light sensitivity. If you wear contact lenses, stop using them when pink eye symptoms appear. If symptoms persist or worsen within 12 to 24 hours, make an appointment with an eye doctor to rule out a more severe infection associated with contact lens usage.
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Causes:
The causes of pink eye include viral and bacterial infections, allergic reactions, and exposure to chemicals.
- The presence of an item in the eye
- Blocked tear duct in newborns.
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis
While the majority of pink eye cases are caused by the adenovirus, other viruses like the herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus can also be responsible.
In summary, pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva that can arise from various factors. Although it rarely affects vision, it can be bothersome. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate precautions can effectively manage the condition and limit its transmission.
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can occur alongside colds or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a sore throat. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by wearing contact lenses that are not properly cleaned or are not your own.
Both types of conjunctivitis are highly contagious and can be spread through direct or indirect contact with the eye discharge of an infected person. One or both eyes may be affected.
ndividual. It can affect one or both eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and is caused by an allergen such as pollen. Your body creates an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in reaction to allergens. IgE causes specific cells in the mucous lining of your eyes and lungs to produce inflammatory compounds such as histamines. The production of histamine by your body can cause a variety of allergy symptoms, including red or pink eyes.
You may have acute stinging, tearing, and inflammation of the eyes, as well as sneezing and watery nasal discharge if you have allergic conjunctivitis. The majority of allergic conjunctivitis is treatable with allergy eye drops. It is not possible to spread allergic conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis resulting from irritation
Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and is caused by an allergen such as pollen. Your body procreates in reaction to allergens.
Conjunctivitis is also related to irritation from a chemical splash or foreign item in your eye. Flushing and wiping the eye to remove the chemical or object might produce redness and discomfort. Symptoms, which may include watery eyes and a mucous discharge, usually clear up on their own within about a day.
If flushing doesn't resolve the symptoms, or if the chemical is a caustic one such as lye, see your health care provider or eye specialist as soon as possible chemical splash in the eye might result in irreversible damage. Ongoing symptoms may suggest that the foreign body is still in your eye. You might have a scrape on the cornea or the membrane covering the eyeball, known as the conjunctiva.
Risk factors
Risk factors for pink eye include:
Contact with someone who has a viral or bacterial type of conjunctivitis.
Exposure to a conjunctivitis sufferer who has a bacterial or viral infection.
Exposure to an allergen, resulting in allergic conjunctivitis
Complications
Pink eye can cause corneal inflammation, impairing vision in children and adults. The risk of complications can be decreased by your healthcare provider evaluating and treating you right away. See your provider if you have:
Eye pain.
The sensation that something is trapped in your eye
Blurred vision.
Light sensitivity.
Prevention
Preventing the spread of pink eye
Maintain proper hygiene to prevent the spread of pink eye. For instance:
Don't touch your eyes with your hands.
Wash your hands often.
Use a clean towel and washcloth daily.
Don't share towels or washcloths.
Change your pillowcases often.
Remove any old eye makeup, such as mascara.
Share no eye cosmetics or personal eye care products.
Remember that pink eye is not as infectious as the common cold. Returning to work, school, or child care is safe if you can maintain proper hygiene and avoid close contact. However, if work, school, or child care involves close interaction with others It might be advisable to stay at home until your or your child's symptoms subside.
Preventing pink eye in newborns
Because bacteria present in the mother's birth canal can cause infants to develop a serious type of conjunctivitis known as ophthalmia neonatorum, which requires immediate treatment to preserve sight, an antibiotic ointment is applied to every newborn's eyes shortly after birth.
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