Pink eye is one of the most common conditions in both kids and adults. Viruses, bacteria, irritants, and allergens can cause pink eye. According to studies, millions of cases of pink eye occur in the United States each year. 

What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the clear tissue lining the outer coating of the eye and the inside surface of the eyelid. The conjunctiva helps keep the eyeball and eyelid moist. The condition can occur in one or both eyes. 

Inflammation of the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva makes them more visible. This causes the white part of the eye to appear pink or reddish. Though conjunctiva can be quite irritating, it rarely affects one’s vision. However, it can be contagious. Therefore, it is vital to diagnose and treat it early to limit its spread. 

Causes

As stated above, conjunctivitis can result from viruses, bacteria, an allergic reaction, fungi, parasites, amoebas, irritants, and a reaction to eye drops. But sometimes, pink eye can result from a sexually transmitted disease. For example, gonorrhea can cause a rare but severe form of bacterial pink eye that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Chlamydia can also cause pink eye in adults. 

If you have gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other bacteria in your body while giving birth, you can easily pass on conjunctivitis to your baby. If your newborn gets pink eye, you need to tell your doctor immediately. It could be a serious infection that will threaten your little one’s vision. 

Do You Have Pink Eye?

To determine whether you have conjunctivitis, you need to watch out for the following signs and symptoms:

• Itchy eyes
• Redness or pinkness in the white part of your eye or inner eyelid
• Burning eyes
• Swollen conjunctiva
• White or green discharge from your eye
• Thick, yellowish discharge that crusts over your eyes, especially after sleep
• More tears than normal
• Blurred vision
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sensitivity to light

When to Visit Your Doctor

You need to visit your doctor if you notice a lot of green or yellow discharge from your eyes. Do so if you wake up with your eyelids stuck together. Do you experience severe eye pain when you look at bright lights? Are you experiencing shaking chills, high fever, or vision loss? If so, visit your doctor right away. 

Diagnosis

Do not assume that all swollen, irritated, or red eyes are conjunctivitis. You could be experiencing such symptoms due to seasonal allergies, blepharitis, chalazion, iritis, or a sty. These eye conditions are not contagious. To be sure, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. 

Your eye doctor will ask you to explain your symptoms to determine whether you have pink eye. They will then conduct an eye exam, including taking some fluid from your eyelid to test. That will help your doctor find the viruses or bacteria causing your problem.

For more on conjunctivitis, call Inclima Eye Care at (203) 694-0418 to reach our office in West Haven, Connecticut.