Pink eye (Conjunctivitis): symptoms and causes

Pink eye is most often caused by a viral infection, admittedly, we have a transparent layer on the white of our eyes and the inside of our eyelids, called the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Causes of pink eye

■ Conjunctivitis due to bacterial or viral infection: It is spread from person to person. It is spread to others through the use of handkerchiefs, glasses, eye drops or cosmetics by an infected person. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Haemophilus and viruses such as Adenovirus, Enterovirus, Herpes can be responsible.

■ Allergic Conjunctivitis Environmental : Changes, airborne pollen, dust, smoke, pollution, animal dander and prolonged use of contact lenses can cause allergic pink eyes.

■ Eye contact with contaminated water or chemicals

■ Harmful light or rays

■ Persistent and prolonged dryness of the eyes

■ Some autoimmune diseases also cause conjunctivitis

■ Carelessness and unsanitary practices during delivery causes conjunctivitis in newborns.

■ Unhygienic body and overall unhygienic living conditions also lead to eye infections and the spread of the disease

What are the symptoms?

■ Redness and swelling of the eyes

■ Watery eyes

■ Irritation of eyes

■ Constant squinting and rubbing of the eyes, as if something had passed into the eyes

■ Intolerance to bright light (sensitivity)

■ Headache

■ Partial blurring of vision in some cases

■ If the eye is infected, discharge from the eye and eyelids may stick together

■ Swelling of the eyelids if the eyes are due to allergies and itching

Diagnosis and treatment

If you find symptoms as above get your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist on time. Doctors prescribe treatment by observing the symptoms and clinical evaluation.

Doctors prescribe antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infections, lubricating eye drops and anti-inflammatory eye drops for viral infections. Antihistaminic and steroid eye drops are given as needed if eye irritation is due to allergy. Improvement is usually seen within 7-10 days with treatment and care as directed. However, if the pink eye symptoms persist for a long time, the doctor will examine the eye by swabbing the discharge and recommend taking specific antibiotic and anti-inflammatory pills accordingly.

What to take care of..

■ Maintain eye hygiene to avoid pink eye

■ Hands should be washed thoroughly after touching the eyes or after leaving the eye drops in the eyes.

■ A blind person should wear dark glasses while going out of the house or coming in contact with people.

■ Do not share your handkerchief, glasses, eye drops or other items with others.

■ Take timely treatment as per doctor’s advice.