Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Pink eye is one of the most common, yet treatable eye problems that can affect children and adults alike. It can spread quickly through close contact, especially those that are caused by viruses and bacteria. The medical term for pink eye is conjunctivitis.

If you have conjunctivitis, the thin, clear lining of the white of your eye (conjunctiva) including your inner eyelid gets inflamed. This can cause a pinkish or reddish color in your eye. The good news is, symptoms of pink eye are usually mild and usually goes away on its own, even without special medical treatment. The condition rarely causes visual or permanent damage to the eye.

Causes

There are several causes of pink eye including viruses; bacteria; irritants like smog or chlorine in swimming pools; or foreign object in the eye. Sometimes, the condition can be caused by allergens like pollens, pet dander or dust mites.

Symptoms

Depending on the cause of pink eye, symptoms may vary but commonly include the following:

• Redness in the white of the eye or eyes
• Itchiness or burning sensation in one or both eyes
• Increased tearing
• White, yellow, or green discharge in one or both eyes
• Gritty feeling in one or both eyes

When should you seek medical attention?

Although it is not always necessary to see a healthcare provider if you or your child has pink eye as it usually gets better on its own, you should seek medical attention if:

• You or your child has increased eye pain, blurring of vision, or increase sensitivity to light
• Your newborn has a medical condition
• Symptoms persist or become worse
• Are unsure about the severity of your or your child's condition.

Treatment

Treatment for pink eye or conjunctivitis depends on the cause. Pink eye caused by irritants or allergens is not contagious. Removing the irritant or allergen usually clears up the condition.

Treatments for viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are different. Mild viral conjunctivitis usually clears up within 7 to 14 days even without special medical treatment. Applying cold packs and artificial tears may help relieve eye dryness and inflammation. For severe cases of viral conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. Antibiotics do not work for pink eye caused by viruses, so this should be avoided.

If infection is caused by bacteria, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic medication (eye drops or ointment), especially if the condition is not getting better on its own. Use of an antibiotic helps shorten the course of the illness and helps reduce the likelihood of spreading the infection to others. To relieve symptoms of eye dryness and inflammation, you may apply cold compresses and artificial tears.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pink Eye: Usually Mild and Easy to Treat. Accessed on October 24, 2010.

CDC. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Treatment. Accessed on October 24, 2010.

Podcasts at CDC. Pink Eye: What To Do. Accessed on October 24, 2010.