Early Symptoms of Pink Eye

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis is a condition characterized by infection and inflammation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that covers the eyeball and lines the underside of the eyelid. This condition causes the conjunctiva to appear pinkish or slightly red in color, and hence, the name pink eye. Besides causing redness of the eye, pink eye can produce several other symptoms.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

Pink eye or conjunctivitis can be caused by several factors, out of which eye infections caused by virus and bacteria are more common. When pink eye is caused by virus, it is called viral conjunctivitis, while bacterial conjunctivitis refers to pink eye caused by bacteria. Viral, as well as bacterial conjunctivitis can affect one or both the eyes. Other than virus and bacteria, pink eye can be caused by allergies, which is known as allergic conjunctivitis and also by certain irritants like, chemical splash. Presence of foreign objects in the eye can also cause pink eye.

Signs and Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Pink eye can be mainly of three types - viral, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis, depending on the causative agents. Its symptoms can vary to a small extent depending on the specific types. The most common symptom that can be observed in each type of conjunctivitis is the redness or pink color of the affected eye. However, before the affected eye becomes red or pink in color, a few other symptoms can be observed. The first symptom is usually a sensation that something grainy are there in the eye, followed by eye irritation.

However, for some people the first sign of pink eye could be a sticky and crusty discharge that glues the eyelids together. This is usually the early symptom of viral conjunctivitis. As the infection progresses, one can observe pinkish color in the eye. This can also be accompanied by increased tearing or watery eyes. If conjunctivitis is caused by viral infection, then it can cause watery discharge and itchiness. On the other hand, thick yellow or green discharge, watery eyes and itching are the most common conjunctivitis symptoms, if it is caused by bacterial infection.

The symptoms caused by allergies are, itching, eye irritation, heavy tearing, swollen eyelid and inflammation of the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both the eyes. Apart from these early symptoms, one can experience increased sensitivity to light as the disease or the infection progresses. Sometimes, one can also feel pain and pressure on the eyeball, especially while standing up.

Treatment for Conjunctivitis

It can be diagnosed by examining the eye. However sometimes, a sample of the eye discharge is also examined to find out the type of infection. Usually, pink eye resolves on its own within a few days. But if it does not heal on its own, then appropriate medications can be required. For bacterial conjunctivitis, physicians usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops and ointments. However, antibiotics cannot treat a viral infection. There is usually no treatment for viral conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis clears up on its own within two to three weeks. In the meantime, cold compress and artificial tears can be used for some relief.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with different types of eye drops such as, antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, anti-inflammatory drops, artificial tears and steroids. On the other hand, the affected eye is irrigated with saline solution for the treatment of conjunctivitis caused by chemicals or irritants. Sometimes, Ringer's lactate is also used for this purpose. In general, this common eye problem does not cause any serious complications. But still, the symptoms can be quite irritating and occasionally, the infection can cause inflammation of the cornea as well. Therefore, it is important to know the early symptoms, so that this condition can be identified and treated promptly. This would help to reduce the risk of complications associated with pink eye.