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Pink eye, or pinkeye, is a common name for a condition known medically as conjunctivitis. Pink eye is an inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. This membrane is know as conjunctiva. These membranes sometimes come in contact with bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking substances, irritants, and toxic agents. They may also be affected by various diseases that attack the body. Pink eye can be alarming, especially to parents, because it often makes the eyes extremely red. Pink eye can also spread rapidly. Causes of Pink Eye There are many causes of pink eye, and those causes can generally be classified as either "infectious" or "non infectious." Infectious pink eye can be caused by the same bacteria and viruses responsible for colds and other infections, including ear infections, sinus infections, and sore throat. The same types of bacteria that cause the sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can contribute to pink eye. Non-infectious pink eye can, for example, be caused by allergies. This type of pink eye tends to happen more often among children who also have other allergic conditions such as hay fever. Allergens like grass, ragweed pollen, animal dander, and dust mites can also help trigger pink eye. Environmental substances that irritate the eye can also be a factor in causing pinkeye, especially chemicals such as chlorine, certain kinds of soap and air pollutants like smoke and fumes. There's another type of pink eye known as giant papillary pink eye or GPC (Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis). Usually, GPC occurs only to those who wear contact lenses. Pink Eye Symptoms Pink Eye symptoms generally depend on whether you have infectious pink eye or non infectious pink eye. Symptoms caused by viral and bacterial pink eye include red watery eyes (accompanied with discharge) and irritation. It is likely to start in one eye and spread to the other. Infectious pink eye is contagious. Symptoms of non infectious pink eye might include, heavy tearing, irritation and itchiness. Both eyes are usually affected. This type of pink eye isn't contagious. Giant papillary pink eye usually affects both eyes and causes contact lens intolerance, itching, a heavy discharge, tearing and red bumps on the underside of the eyelids. Treatment of Pink Eye Treatment for infectious (viral and bacterial) varieties of pink eye include the same kinds of treatment for many other contagious conditions. Bacterial pink eye can be treated with antibiotics to help kill the infection. Antibiotic ointments are also available. A warm wash cloth can also be used to dissolve the discharge. The viral type of pink eye usually won't require medication, except in small children. You should check with the child's doctor about the best course of treatment. Antibiotics are generally not helpful with viral pink eye. Viruses must be fought off by your body's immune system. But some antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections from developing. Special eye drops for pink eye can help relieve inflammation and redness. Allergic pink eye treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatory medications, antihistamine medications, and eye drops to relieve redness and itching. It's also important to remove the cause of the allergy or irritation, including environmental substances or chemicals like chlorine, certain kinds of soap, animal dander and air pollutants like smoke and fumes. Pink eye is actually fairly common. It usually causes no long-term damage to the eyes or vision. But anyone who develops pink eye symptoms should see a doctor. Some kinds of pink eye go away on their own in seven to ten days, but other types require treatment. For more information, click on Pink Eye. George McKenzie is a retired TV anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host. He often contributes articles to Eye Health Info, a resource site about health and wellness.
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