What is conjunctivitis (pink eye)?

"Pink eye" (or "red eye") is conjunctivitis, a painful and/or itchy redness of the whites of one's eyes. It is most commonly due to an allergic reaction or an infection (usually bacterial, but sometimes viral). This is different from bleeding into the white part of one eye, called a "subconjunctival hemorrhage," which leaves part of one eye bright red, but causes no discomfort or vision change. Though it looks nasty, this goes away on its own and is not dangerous. It is more common in diabetes and high blood pressure (so check for these if it happens), but most often happens in healthy people.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by:

-  Allergies - Itchiness is the dominant symptom. It is more likely to affect both eyes, and the discharge/watering from the eyes is usually clear. It may hit suddenly, or be mild and ongoing.
-  Viral - Although there may be some itchiness, the pain, mild redness (more pink) and watering are more prominent. It may start in one eye, but easily can spread to the other (so be careful not to touch the unaffected eye). The discharge is usually clear and watery. It may take three weeks to resolve and may occur along with a respiratory infection or cold.
-  Bacterial - This is associated with a puss-like yellow-green mucus discharge along with pain.
-  Toxic - From an acute chemical exposure (usually obvious and should be immediately treated).
-  Irritation - Falling asleep with your contact lenses in or having inadequate tears to support the use of contact lenses.

Though the viral and allergic conjunctivitis tend to be benign and resolve on their own, it is best to see an eye doctor to rule out bacterial conjunctivitis or more dangerous viral infections of the cornea. Seeing an eye doctor is especially important if you have yellow discharge or severe pain or light sensitivity in the eye, or the pupil (black part of the eye) is irregularly shaped instead of round.

Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious eye condition that happens when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed. The conjunctiva is a transparent membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the whites of the eye.

Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergy, dry eyes, irritation, a virus, or bacterial infection known as “pinkeye.” Pinkeye is common in childcare centers or crowded classrooms, but both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious from exposure to someone with this disease.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, tearing, a “gritty” feeling when blinking, itching, burning, and swelling of the eye and eyelid. With bacterial conjunctivitis, there is usually a thick, yellow mucus-like discharge that crusts over the eye and glues the eyelid together. Viral conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, while bacterial pinkeye may only affect one eye. Allergic 

conjunctivitis leaves the eyes red, itchy, and watery but there is no thick yellow-green discharge.

 If you suspect conjunctivitis, contact your doctor to determine the cause. Inform your doctor if you have blurred vision, heavy eye tearing, thick mucus in the eye, or fever. Only your doctor can determine which type of conjunctivitis you have, and the treatment is different depending on if it’s viral or bacterial. Rare types of conjunctivitis can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Conjunctivitis is the term used to describe inflam- mation of the conjunctiva — the thin, filmy membrane that covers the inside of your eyelids and the white part of your eye (sclera). Conjunctivitis is most commonly referred to as “pink” eye.

The conjunctiva, which contains tiny blood vessels, produces mucus to coat and lubricate the surface of your eye. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated or inflamed, the blood vessels become larger and more prominent, making your eye appear red. Conjunctivitis may occur in one or both eyes.

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the surface of the eye. Individuals with conjunctivitis have redness of the eye that is often accompanied by tearing or purulent discharge. There are many causes for conjunctivitis. They include infection, allergy, exposure to toxic agents, and dryness of the eye. Conjunctivitis is also called "pink eye," but this lay term is commonly used to indicate infection of the eye causing redness. Infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses can cause conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis is infection or irritation of the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and part of the front covering of the eyeball. Conjunctivitis (or pink eye) may cause the white part of the eye to look pink or red and may cause yellow or green drainage from the eye.

 

Pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an irritation of the inside of the eyelid from bacteria or allergens. Pinkeye can make the eyelid turn red, itch, and swell, and it can also cause a snot-like discharge.

Pinkeye can be severely contagious and may be caused by allergies or bacteria entering the eyelid. It is recommended to wash your hands before touching your face and eyes and to avoid any foreign object coming into contact with your eyes. A common treatment is adding a water solution in the eye that is 10% salt.

(This answer provided for NATA by the Georgia College & State University Athletic Training Education Program.)