Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye – Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Infection or inflammation in the transparent membrane or conjunctiva (which goes up the inside of the eyelid and covers the surface of eyeball) is conjunctivitis or pink eye. When small blood vessels are inflamed in the conjunctiva, they become more visible. That's how the whites appear reddish or pink in your eyes.

A bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, or an incomplete opening of a tear duct are common causes of pink eye. Though the pink eye can be irritating, your vision seldom is affected. Therapies of our affordable eye care in OKC can help relieve pink eye discomfort. Pink eye can be contagious, but you can limit its spread with early diagnosis and treatment.

Kids get this most. It can be extremely infectious (it quickly spreads in schools and daycare), but seldom is serious. Especially when you find it and treat it quickly, it is very unlikely to damage your vision. Pink eye clears with no long-term problems when you take care to avoid its spread and do all the things our eye care doctor in OKC recommends.

Symptoms

The most common conjunctivitis or pink eye symptoms are:

• Redness in eyes

• Itchiness in eyes

• A gritty feeling in eyes

• Eye discharge at night that forms a crust and it makes eye-opening difficult next morning

• Excessive tears

Cause

There are several factors to blame –

• Viruses, especially which causes common cold or flu

• Bacteria

• Chemicals in shampoo or other irritants like dust pool chlorine or smoke

• Eyedrop reaction

• Allergy from contact lenses

• Fungus, amoebas or parasites

Types of Conjunctivitis / Pink Eye  

The most common and most contagious form is viral strains. Viral strains They tend to begin in a single eye, which causes tear flushing. The other eye becomes involved within a few days. You may feel a swollen lymph node either under the jawbone or in front of your ear.

Usually, bacterial strains infect one eye but may appear in both. A lot of pus and mucus would be there in your eye.

Tearing, itching and redness in both eyes are common with allergic types. You may also get an itchy and runny nose.

The ophthalmia neonatorum is a severe form affecting neonates. Dangerous bacteria can cause it. Start treatment, so that eye damage or blindness is avoided.

The long-term use of contacts or artificial eyes (eye prosthesis) can cause giant papillary conjunctivitis. Doctors believe it's an allergic reaction to constant exposure to a foreign body.

Prevention

• Practicing good hygiene can help prevent pink eye.

• Do not put fingers in your eyes unnecessarily.

• Wash your hands often. Keep your hands clean.

• Use a clean towel and washcloths.

• Do not share your towel and washcloth.

• Use clean pillowcases.

• Do not share your eye makeup products or other personal care items.

For treating your pink eye or conjunctivitis and knowing about prevention methods come to our affordable eye care in OKC. Here at Korber Eyecare and Surgery Center, we will help you to protect your eyes and keep healthy vision.

**Disclaimer: The above post should not substitute medical advice nor does it create a patient-doctor relationship.