Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is when the eye's conjunctiva gets inflamed. This makes the eye look red or pink, making it feel swollen and irritated. There might also be some mucus. When an infection causes it, it's straightforward to spread to others.
The conjunctiva is a thin layer that covers the inside part of the eyelids and the white part of the eyes.
This inflammation makes tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva more visible, which causes discomfort and a red or pink colour. It can last from 1 to 4 weeks or even more.
Irritation, allergies, or infections can cause pinkeye. This explanation will mainly talk about pinkeye caused by infections.
Conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, can be classified in different ways:
Signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis (pinkeye) can include:
If it's an infection, it might start in one eye and then move to the other. If it's caused by something like dust, it usually affects both eyes simultaneously.
Depending on the cause, some people might also have flu-like symptoms such as:
These could be early signs of an infection.
Conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, is highly contagious when caused by an infection. It can be transmitted through various means, including:
Conjunctivitis is most contagious when symptoms are present. It is advisable for individuals with the condition to stay home during this period to prevent its spread to others.
If an individual suspects they have an eye infection, it is advisable to seek medical advice. However, it is crucial to seek urgent medical attention if any of the following symptoms are present:
These symptoms could signal a more serious eye condition or underlying health issue, and prompt medical evaluation is essential in such cases.
Various factors, including allergies, viral infections, or bacterial infections, can cause conjunctivitis. In approximately 80% of cases, conjunctivitis is viral in origin, with common viruses responsible for these infections including:
Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, may be caused by different bacteria, including:
It's worth noting that bacterial conjunctivitis can also be linked to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, in some cases.
In July 2020, there was a report of someone who had COVID-19 with only conjunctivitis as their symptom. This made some people wonder if conjunctivitis could be a sign of COVID-19.
However, it's essential to know that coronaviruses, including the one that causes COVID-19, usually don't cause conjunctivitis. Scientists are still studying this to determine how often conjunctivitis happens as a symptom of COVID-19.
So, while it's possible to have conjunctivitis with COVID-19, it's not a common symptom, and the main symptoms like fever, cough, and breathing problems are more typical signs of the disease.
Newborns can develop pinkeye, which can be caused by infection, irritation, or a blocked tear duct. These different causes can result in similar symptoms.
The bacteria or viruses responsible for these infections can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth, even if the person giving birth has no symptoms.
The most common bacterial cause of newborn pinkeye is Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes gonorrhoea. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Chlamydia trachomatis can also lead to it, and less commonly, the virus that causes genital herpes.
The CDC also notes that symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis due to C. trachomatis typically appear 5–12 days after birth, while if it's due to N. gonorrhoeae, symptoms usually show up after 2–4 days.
Sometimes, newborns' pinkeye can react to eye drops given at birth to prevent infection. The symptoms typically go away within 24–36 hours in these cases.
There are numerous causes of red eyes, including conditions such as:
Some of these conditions have the potential to result in vision loss. It is essential for individuals who do not see improvement in their symptoms with treatment to revisit their doctor for further evaluation and care.
To diagnose conjunctivitis, a doctor typically follows these steps:
In most cases, conjunctivitis clears up independently without needing medical treatment. When a virus causes it, doctors usually suggest managing the symptoms with home remedies. If it's linked to allergies or irritation, avoiding the substance causing the reaction is essential.
If a doctor suspects a bacterial infection, they might recommend antibiotics. Some doctors may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or other treatments just in case, but it's not guaranteed that these will be effective.
Remember, antibiotics won't help if the infection is viral.
If your symptoms don't improve with treatment or you experience pain or blurry vision, you must return to the doctor for further evaluation.
In many states, doctors routinely use antibiotic drops or ointment in the eyes of all newborns to prevent conjunctivitis.
If necessary, a doctor may prescribe treatment, which could include:
It's crucial to carefully follow the doctor's instructions for managing conjunctivitis in newborns. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly before and after using any treatment.
Eye drops and ointment are meant to be applied directly to the eye. The amount you use depends on the type of medication. Some may find ointments easier to administer than eye drops for infants or young children.
Keep the dropper away from the eye and do not share eye drops to prevent the spread of infection.
After using eye drops, your vision may temporarily become blurry. For safety, ensure your vision has cleared before driving or operating machinery.
To reduce the risk of getting or spreading infective conjunctivitis, you can:
To lower the risk of irritant and allergic conjunctivitis:
Conjunctivitis typically doesn't lead to complications, but it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
If someone has severe or persistent symptoms, seeking medical attention to prevent potential complications is essential.
In Newborns, most infants recover fully from infective conjunctivitis without issues. However, in rare cases, it can progress rapidly and affect their vision.
In the presence of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), additional complications can arise. For example, if left untreated, about 10–20% of newborns with infective conjunctivitis caused by C. trachomatis may also develop pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
Pinkeye can have various causes, and infective conjunctivitis can be highly contagious.
Home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are usually sufficient, and prescription drugs are unnecessary. Antibiotics are only effective if there is a bacterial infection.
To prevent the spread of pinkeye, practising proper handwashing and avoiding touching the eyes and face is essential.
You can receive consultations and assistance from Mobi Doctor for your healthcare needs.