Your eyes have transparent membranes known as conjunctiva that covers the white part of your eyes. Infection or inflammation of this membrane is known as pink eye or conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva has small blood vessels that become inflamed and more visible. This is the reason why your eyes appear pink or reddish. An allergic reaction or viral or bacterial infection can cause this problem. This disease can also occur when your tear duct is not open properly. In addition to being irritating, this disease can also affect your vision. You can cure the discomfort due to pink eyes with treatment on time. Keep in mind that the treatment is important as it is a contagious disease.
Symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms of pink eye:
- Tearing
- Redness in eyes
- Itching
- Gritty feeling
- Discharge
You can get relief from dry eyes by using a dry eye mask. Just like dry eyes, pink eyes can also make you feel that some foreign body is stuck in your eyes. Both conditions can cause light sensitivity and blurred vision and eye pain. Therefore, see an eye specialist to know if you need dry eye mask to get relief from dry eyes or get treatment for pink eyes.
If you suspect that you have symptoms of pink eye, stop wearing contacts. See a doctor if your symptoms don’t heal within 24 hours. It may be a serious infection.
Pink Eye Causes
The following are the most common causes of pink eye:
- Blocked tear duct in newborns
- Allergies
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Foreign object
- Chemical splash
Bacterial and Viral Conjunctivitis
Adenovirus is responsible for most pink eye cases. Varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus also cause pink disease. When you have bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, you may also experience sore throat and other symptoms of respiratory infection. Make sure that you are wearing your own contact lenses. Always wear clean contact lenses. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are very contagious.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
It is an inflammation that occurs when your eyes respond to pollen or any other substance that can cause allergies. Your body responds by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that makes your mast cells release histamines. The production of histamines leads to pink or red eyes and signs and symptoms of other allergies. A person with this condition may experience:
- Tearing
- Intense itching
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Sneezing
- Watery nasal discharge
Your doctor may prescribe allergy eye drops to control allergic conjunctivitis.
Irritation and Conjunctivitis
Foreign objects and chemical splashes in your eyes can cause irritation. Flush and clear your eyes to remove an object or chemical that can cause irritation and redness. You may experience signs and symptoms including a mucous discharge and watery eyes. However, this will heal on its own within 24 hours. If it does not happen, book an appointment with an eye specialist. Depending on the chemical, chemical splashes can cause permanent damage to your eyes.
Pink Eye Risk Factors
- Exposure to an allergen
- Exposure to bacterial or viral form of conjunctivitis
- Extended use of contact lenses
Complications
Pink eyes can affect vision in both adults and children. If you experience any foreign body sensation in your eyes, visit an eye specialist for evaluation and treatment.
Pink Eye Prevention
- Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands.
- Wash your hands more often.
- Avoid sharing washcloths or towels.
- Use a clean pillowcase.
- Avoid using mascara and other eye cosmetics.
- Avoid sharing your eye care items.
Pink eyes and dry eyes share some symptoms. Therefore, see an eye specialist for diagnosis. The specialist may prescribe a dry eye mask for dry eye.
