Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis occurs when the membrane (the conjunctiva) that covers the inside of the eyelid and the surface of the eyeball becomes infected or inflamed. This can cause a burning or itching sensation and make the eye appear red.

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Symptoms

Conjunctivitis can affect people of all ages. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• Pink, bloodshot, or swollen eyes
• Itching and swelling
• A gritty feeling in the eye
• A burning or itching sensation in the eye
• Sticky or dried discharge around the eyelashes

If you experience eye pain, sensitivity to light, decreased vision, or extremely red eyes, contact your doctor immediately. These could be signs of a more serious eye infection that requires attention.

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Common Causes

Conjunctivitis can be caused by a variety of factors. The cause of the inflammation will determine the symptoms and treatment required.

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Conjunctivitis may be caused by:

• Viral infection (such as a cold)
• Bacterial infection (such as staphylococcus or streptococcus)
• Allergic reaction (such as pollen allergy)
• Local irritation (such as shampoo, chlorine water, or a foreign particle in the eye)

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Treatment

The treatment for conjunctivitis depends on its cause and the severity of symptoms.

In many cases, conjunctivitis symptoms go away on their own and no treatment is needed. In other cases, antibiotic eye drops or antihistamines may be required to treat the infection. We recommend consulting with your doctor if you're unsure.

Conjunctivitis can also be caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and requires proper hand hygiene to prevent spreading or reinfection. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes and make sure not to come into contact with others to reduce transmission. It might also be a good idea to use a separate towel while your eye is infected.

Generally, it’s best to avoid further eye irritation. Do not wear contact lenses or eye makeup until the symptoms have completely cleared, as this could make the condition worse. Contact your doctor if the symptoms don’t go away or if you’re unsure.

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Next Steps

We want to help you maintain clear vision. If we detect eye diseases during an eye exam, the optician will recommend an eye health check-up. If necessary, we will refer you to your general practitioner or an eye specialist.

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