Pink Eye

Featured Experts:

  • Sezen Karakus

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is an irritation or infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and the whites of the optics. Ophthalmologist Sezen Karakus, One thousand.D., of the Wilmer Eye Plant provides details on pinkish eye and how it tin can be treated.

Eye infected with Pink Eye

What Y'all Demand to Know

  • Pink heart can exist caused by bacteria, viruses, chemicals or allergies.
  • While pink heart can be a result of a minor infection that can resolve on its own, it can also be the sign of a more serious problem.
  • Pinkish eye can exist contagious.
  • Handling of the condition varies based on the cause.

What are the symptoms of pink heart?

Pink eye symptoms vary based on the cause of the irritation or infection. Symptoms can include:

  • Pink or red discoloration in 1 or both eyes
  • Gritty feeling in 1 or both eyes
  • Itching, irritation and/or burning awareness in the eyes
  • Clear, thin drainage of liquid and increased shedding of tears
  • Stringy and/or thick, white or green discharge from the optics
  • Eyelids that are disordered together in the morning
  • Swelling of the eyelids
  • Blurred vision

What causes pink centre?

Pink centre has several causes.

  • Bacteria: Bacteria can exist transferred to one or both optics through physical contact, poor hygiene (touching eyes with unclean hands), or use of contaminated makeup or face lotions.
  • Viruses: Infection tin be caused past viruses associated with the mutual cold, upper respiratory tract infection and, in rarer instances, herpes and sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Chemicals: Facial or eye makeup, air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools or other toxic chemicals can cause irritation or inflammation in one or both optics.
  • Allergies/sensitivities: The optics tin have an adverse reaction to allergens or irritants such every bit pollen, mold, grit mites, cosmetics (even if hypoallergenic, high-end or organic), or contact lenses and solutions.

How is pink eye diagnosed?

Pink center is usually diagnosed based on patient history and a comprehensive examination of the eye. Testing of eye drainage or belch with swabs is not required except in unusual circumstances — for example, if in that location is an unusual amount of drainage, pus or corneal involvement. But an heart specialist tin can diagnose what is causing pink eye, and so it is important that you lot see an eye doctor regarding your condition.

Pinkeye treatment

Treatment is determined by the cause of pink eye, patient history and the overall condition of the eye. Treatment can include:

  • Antibiotic and/or steroid drops or ointments
  • Anti-viral eye drops or pills
  • Allergy middle drops
  • Artificial tears

Is pinkish eye contagious?

Pink middle can be contagious if it is caused by a virus. The risk of spread is higher when at that place is drainage from the eye. The virus can be survive on surfaces for upwards to two weeks.
To help foreclose the spread of infection:

  • Avoid touching your eyes with your hands.
  • Wash your easily thoroughly and ofttimes. If you do non take access to a sink, use mitt sanitizer.
  • Change pillowcases often, do non share eye makeup or personal eye intendance products, and do not reuse tissues or manus towels on your face up.
  • Follow your eye doc'southward instructions about proper contact lens care.

Are there long-term pink eye complications?

Pink centre usually does non have long-term complications. Rarely, the cornea becomes chronically inflamed, leading to permanent vision issues. Y'all should see an ophthalmologist if your pinkish eye does not resolve or if information technology gets worse afterwards a week of treatment.

When should I call my health care provider?

If the redness does not improve, or if symptoms become worse or new symptoms ascend, see an ophthalmologist.

Comprehensive Eye Intendance at the Wilmer Middle Constitute

For treatments related to pink eye and other common atmospheric condition, the Wilmer Heart Institute'southward comprehensive eye care squad is here to help.

Pink Eye in Babies and Children

Pinkish center is mutual in children and newborn babies.

Children: Viral pink eye is one of the leading causes of schoolhouse absence among children, with large outbreaks ofttimes seen in solar day care centers and schools.

Newborn babies: Though rare, newborn babies can get pink eye through a sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia or gonorrhea that is passed on during childbirth.

Treatment is determined by your health care provider based on the cause of the infection, the child's age, and how well the child tin handle specific medications or therapies.

Other Eye Diseases Causing Redness

Corneal abrasion: A superficial scratch of the cornea causing precipitous pain, increased shedding of tears and redness.

Strange torso in the heart: A foreign object can irritate the cornea or conjunctiva, causing redness and discomfort.

Dry out eyes: Redness of the eye due to chronic irritation caused past inadequate tears that results in dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva.

Blepharitis: A chronic inflammation of the eyelid that may also cause recurrent styes.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage: A broken blood vessel tin can cause a bloodshot, red appearance on the white part of the centre with no pain or other symptoms.

Episcleritis: An inflammation of the tissue that lies between the conjunctiva and the white role of the eye.

Scleritis: An inflammation or infection of the white part of the centre.

Keratitis: An inflammation or infection of the cornea.

Uveitis: An inflammation of the centre layer of the eye that called uvea.

Acute glaucoma: A sudden increase in center pressure causing redness, severe hurting and decreased vision.