Pink eye is a very common eye problem, especially in children. But with proper management, it rarely causes long-term vision damage.
What causes pinkeye? Pinkeye is most commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection, but it can also be triggered by allergies or exposure to irritants such as air pollution, smoke, and cosmetics. How is pinkeye spread? Pinkeye is spread by hand-to-eye contact, or if the eye comes in contact with a contaminated object. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. Are there different types of pinkeye? There are several types, including infectious conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, irritant or chemical conjunctivitis, and ophthalmia neonatorum. What are common symptoms of pinkeye? Symptoms of pinkeye may include pink or red discoloration in the white of the eye, eye pain or itching, gritty or watery discharge, or sensitivity to bright light. Is pinkeye related to other conditions? Conjunctivitis has been associated with certain conditions, including psoriatic disease, the removal of enlarged adenoids, and sexually transmitted diseases.Common Questions & Answers
Signs and Symptoms of Pink Eye
Symptoms of pink eye can vary from person to person and depending on the type of conjunctivitis involved. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in general, symptoms may include:
- Pink or red discoloration in the white of one or both eyes
- Pain in one or both eyes that can include itching, burning, or a gritty feeling
- Watery or gritty discharge from one or both eyes that may cause your eyelids to be stuck together when you wake up in the morning
- Swollen eyelids
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to bright light
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Causes and Risk Factors of Pink Eye
The condition is commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections or an allergic reaction. Exposure to irritants such as air pollution, smoke, and cosmetics can also trigger it. And in babies, an incompletely open tear duct can cause pink eye.
Less commonly, conjunctivitis can be caused by sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia, notes the Merck Manual.Pink eye is spread by hand-to-eye contact or if the eye comes in contact with contaminated objects. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can also be spread through the air by coughing and sneezing, according to the CDC.
There are several types of conjunctivitis, each with a different cause. These include:
Infectious Conjunctivitis
This type is caused by a bacterial or, more commonly, viral infection. It spreads rapidly from person to person.
Viral conjunctivitis is most often caused by adenovirus, a virus associated with respiratory diseases and the common cold. It can be the result of exposure to the coughing or sneezing of someone with an upper-respiratory-tract infection, and it can develop as a virus spreads through a person’s body.
In addition to other viral infections (from the common cold to measles), COVID-19 has also been associated with conjunctivitis in children — though the data is still preliminary, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria usually cause bacterial conjunctivitis. Infection can be spread through person-to-person contact, hand-to-eye contact, or eye contact with a contaminated object such as makeup or contact lenses.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
This type tends to happen in people who normally get allergies and occurs when the eyes are exposed to a trigger or allergen that causes an allergic reaction.
The most common form of allergic conjunctivitis is seasonal. It’s triggered by mold spores or pollen from flowering trees, grass, and weeds.
The year-round form of allergic conjunctivitis is usually caused by allergens such as animal hair or dander, feathers, and dust mites, according to the CDC.
Irritant or Chemical Conjunctivitis
This type of pink eye is brought on by environmental factors that irritate the eyes. These can include smoke, car exhaust, air pollution, soap, cleaning products, hair spray, makeup, and the chlorine found in swimming pool water, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum
This severe form of bacterial conjunctivitis occurs in newborn babies. It’s caused by exposure to gonorrhea and chlamydia in the birth canal.
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