Pink Eye Symptoms

Pink eye is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, a transparent membrane which lines the eyelids and the white part of the eye (sclera). Inflammation due to bacterial, viral or other allergic factors causes dilation of the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva, that leads to pink or redness of the eyes. Although it is a common eye problem that affects many of us, pink eye is not a serious eye disease, and rarely affects eyesight. Contagious forms of pink eye are normally associated with bacterial or viral infections whereas non-contagious pink eye can occur due to eye irritants like allergens, dust and smoke that are in the atmosphere. However, pink eye causes severe irritation and discomfort in the eyes, and so early diagnosis of pink eye symptoms and treatment of pink eye is the best way to limit its spread.

Causes for Pink Eye
The conjunctiva of the eye usually reacts to viruses, bacteria, irritants, and many other allergic factors, which primarily contributes to pink eye in most of the people. Viral conjunctivitis is caused by viruses that spread from different ailments like colds, strep throats, respiratory infections, etc., producing a watery or mucous discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria like Staphylococci and Streptococci that make their way to the eye and produce thick yellowish green discharge from eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is another kind of conjunctivitis is induced due to allergic reactions to different substances like fumes, pollens, cosmetics, drugs, dust mites, air born chemicals, etc. Irritation from a chemical splash or foreign object in the eye can also be a contributing factor for pink eye. Quite often, flushing and cleaning the eye to remove the chemical or object that causes redness and irritation in the eye can be of help.

Symptoms of Pink Eye
Of the many symptoms, one of the most noticeable signs is the pink to reddish color covering the eyes. Although the symptoms in adults vary as per the severity of the condition, some of the common signs and indications are given below:

Viral Conjunctivitis Symptoms

• Watery eyes, along with discharge
• Discomfort in the eye with itchiness

Bacterial Conjunctivitis Symptoms

• Watery eyes with yellow or green discharge
• Irritation along with an itchy or burning sensation

Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms

• Sticking of eyelids together on waking
• Tearing, and mild swelling of the eyelids
• Thin and clear drainage from the eye
• Itching, burning, or a feeling of sand in the eye
• Mild sensitivity to bright lights
• Bloated appearance of the eye
• More visible red blood vessels or lines around the eye or on the eyelid
• Small bump or larger bump on the under or upper part of the eyelid

Treatment for Pink Eye
Pink eye treatment varies depending on whether the conjunctivitis is caused due to a virus or bacteria. However, usually a mix of prescribed, and over the counter medications are used to treat pink eye. For bacterial infections, antibiotic eye ointments or drops are used to attack the bacteria. Pink eye caused by allergies can be cured with anti-allergy eye drops like Patanol and Similasan Allergy Eye Relief. Other pink eye remedies include the use of medications with antihistamines which are available in liquid to pill state, are also helpful in relieving and soothing the symptoms. For alleviating discharge, warm compresses are extremely effective in removing the sticky residue, as well as the crusty, dried portions around the eyes. Infants eyes are also susceptible to bacterial infection, hence most of the time, to avoid symptoms in babies, their eyes are protected with a preventive application of an antibiotic, called erythromycin ointment.

Preventive Measures for Pink Eye
Practicing good hygiene is one of the best ways to limit the risks of having pink eye. However, following are some other preventive measures that will help to control the spread of pink eye:

• Washing hands frequently will help getting rid of many possible allergic agents or bacteria from getting into the eyes
• Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, napkins, and other wiping items with others
• Avoid touching the corners of the infected eye with your hands; use tissues to wipe the discharge
• Wearing protective swim goggles while swimming, as it will limit the exposure to chlorinated water in the pools and minimize pink eye outbreaks
• Don't use contact lenses, if you are infected by pink eye, as it may worsen the symptoms
• Avoid sharing eye touching items like eye drops, mascara, goggles, sunglasses, etc., especially with an infected person
• If you observe pink eye symptoms in children, restrict close contact with them and keep them at home for few days to prevent spread of infection to other children

These preventive measures and treatments will prove to be effective in curing and minimizing the chances of having pink eye. However, with time, if symptoms worsen, it is recommended to consult an eye specialist to elucidate the condition.