Pinkeye

Overview

Pinkeye is more formally known as conjunctivitis and is an infection of the eye. It can be allergic, viral, or bacterial. No matter the biology, the infection will cause your eyes to become itchy, inflamed, and bright red. You might have red eyes because of an allergy or other irritant, but you should see a medical professional to rule out more serious conditions.

Bacterial and viral pinkeye are very contagious. Pinkeye spreads when infected people touch their eye and then touch other things. Infections can spread between people or from an inanimate object to a person. The following reflect scenarios of how bacterial and viral pinkeye spread.

Scenario 1: You go to the gym to use a piece of equipment. Earlier in the day, someone with pinkeye rubbed their eyes and then touched the gym equipment. You then rub your eyes because you are sleepy.

Scenario 2: Your friend with pinkeye shakes your hand. She rubbed her eyes about five minutes ago. You then rub your eyes.

Scenario 3: You pick up a pen off the ground. The person who used it last had pinkeye and touched his eyes before touching the pen. You then rub your eyes.

Your symptoms will be sudden or gradual. Some bacterial conjunctivitis can remain dormant in your eyes for several days before you start to show symptoms. Your eyes will become red and itchy, and your eyelids will swell. You might also have allergies, a cold, or a sore throat. You might also have crusty discharge from your eye. One or both eyes can be infected at any given time. You might have some trouble opening your eyes, and you might have a fever.

Luckily, pinkeye is easy to prevent if you are vigilant, hygienic, and exercise good judgment. To avoid catching pinkeye, wash your hands frequently, and don't rub your eyes.

If you are a contact lens wearer, pay particular attention to your doctor's lens cleaning instructions. Pinkeye tends to be more serious for people who wear contact lenses.

If you have a weakened immune system, have a preexisting infection, or have other vision problems, pinkeye could cause additional complications.

You'll likely need to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. You could see an ophthalmologist or a general practitioner. If your pinkeye persists, you should seek follow up tests to rule out serious conditions like glaucoma, uveitis, keratitis, or meningitis.

Treatment

Treatment will vary based on your diagnosis. If your pinkeye is allergic, you might need to put a cool-pack on your and take some over the counter drops. Extreme cases may require antihistamines or a steroid based eye drop. Bacterial pinkeye will require oral antibiotics or antibiotic eye drops and ointments. Conjunctivitis that is caused by chemicals is treated with a saline wash and steroids. There is no treatment for viral pink eye, but you can relieve symptoms using a warm compress treatment. Pinkeye could last up to two weeks. To avoid complications, you might be advised against wearing contact lenses for at least a month. Protect yourself by washing your hands before touching areas around your eye.