Conjunctivitis

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What Is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. It makes the eye appear red or pink and can affect one or both eyes. Conjunctivitis is usually mild, but it can be contagious and uncomfortable.

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There are three main types of conjunctivitis: bacterial, viral, and allergic

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What Are the Symptoms?

Common general symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• Red or pink discoloration of the white of the eye

• Watery or thick discharge

• Itchy or burning sensation

• Gritty or foreign body sensation (like sand in the eye)

• Swollen eyelids

• Crusting on lashes (especially after sleep)

• Blurred vision (usually temporary)

• Increased tearing

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Each of the three types of conjunctivitis can present a little differently. Viral forms tend to have more red, watery eyes. Bacterial forms have more discharge. Allergic forms can have more itching and ropy discharge. Yet, there is some crossover between the types and symptoms in many patients. 

The viral and bacterial forms can be highly contagious. 

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What Causes Conjunctivitis?

There are several types of conjunctivitis, each with different causes. 
The infectious form is caused by a virus or bacteria. It is important to both prevent contracting and spreading conjunctivitis.

• Keep your hands away from your eyes. 

• Thoroughly wash hands before and after applying contact lenses and/or eye medications. 

• Do not share towels, washcloths, pillowcases, cosmetics, or eyedrops with anyone, including family members.

Small children, who may forget these precautions, should be kept away from school, camp, and the swimming pool since they are not as careful and can spread the conjunctivitis easily. 

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Your body's allergies to pollen, cosmetics, animals or fabrics often bring on allergic conjunctivitis. Irritants like air pollution, noxious fumes and chlorine in swimming pools may also produce the allergic form.

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Who Gets Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis can affect people of all ages, but is most common in:

• Children (especially in school or daycare settings)

• Contact lens wearers

• People with allergies

• Those with colds or upper respiratory infections

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How is Conjunctivitis Diagnosed?

An optometrist can usually diagnose conjunctivitis by:

• Asking about your symptoms and medical history

• Performing an eye exam using a slit lamp

• Checking the type of discharge and eye appearance

In some cases, your doctor may take a sample of the eye discharge to identify the specific cause.

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Certain forms of conjunctivitis can develop into a serious condition that may harm your vision. Therefore, it is important to have conjunctivitis diagnosed and treated quickly.

 

How is Conjunctivitis Treated?

Treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis:

 

Viral:

• No antibiotics are needed.

• Use cool compresses and lubricating eye drops for comfort.

• Avoid spreading it to others.

• Generally it is self-limiting and will resolve in 7-10 days. 

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Bacterial:

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are used. Be sure to use the drops in both eye, as it can spread from one eye to the other. 

• Improvement is usually seen in 1–3 days.

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Allergic:

• Use antihistamine eye drops and avoid allergens.

• Cold compresses can relieve itching.

• Flush eyes with saline or clean water.

• Avoid further exposure to the irritant.

 

What Is the Prognosis?

The outlook for conjunctivitis is excellent with proper care. Most cases resolve within:

• 1–2 weeks for viral

• 2–5 days for bacterial (with treatment)

• Ongoing for allergic (but manageable)

It rarely causes vision problems, but repeated or severe cases should be evaluated.

 

When to See our Optometrist

See your optometrist promptly if:

• You have moderate to severe redness or pain.

• Vision becomes blurry or decreased.

• You notice yellow or green discharge.

• Symptoms worsen or do not improve in a few days.

• You wear contact lenses and develop redness or irritation.

• You have recurrent episodes of pink eye.

 

Early treatment can relieve symptoms faster and prevent spreading or complications.
If you feel like you may have a case of conjunctivitis, do not wait. Call our office today for a professional evaluation and treatment plan.

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