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Conjunctivitis, also known as red or pink eye, is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. Learn how to check if you have it, how to treat it yourself, and when to see a GP or call 111.
- Red Eye
A red eye is usually nothing to worry about and often gets...
- Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms...
- Red Eye
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Complications
- Prevention
Pink eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. This membrane is called the conjunctiva. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they're more visible. This is what causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink. Pink eye also is called conjunctivitis. Pink eye is ...
The most common pink eye symptoms include: 1. Redness in one or both eyes. 2. Itchiness in one or both eyes. 3. A gritty feeling in one or both eyes. 4. A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning. 5. Tearing. 6. Sensitivity to light, called photophobia.
Causes of pink eye include: 1. Viruses. 2. Bacteria. 3. Allergies. 4. A chemical splash in the eye. 5. A foreign object in the eye. 6. In newborns, a blocked tear duct.
Risk factors for pink eye include: 1. Exposure to someone infected with the viral or bacterial form of conjunctivitis. 2. Exposure to something you're allergic to, for allergic conjunctivitis. 3. Using contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses.
In both children and adults, pink eye can cause inflammation in the cornea that can affect vision. Prompt evaluation and treatment by your health care provider can reduce the risk of complications. See your provider if you have: 1. Eye pain. 2. A feeling that something is stuck in your eye. 3. Blurred vision. 4. Light sensitivity.
Preventing the spread of pink eye
Practice good hygiene to control the spread of pink eye. For instance: 1. Don't touch your eyes with your hands. 2. Wash your hands often. 3. Use a clean towel and washcloth daily. 4. Don't share towels or washcloths. 5. Change your pillowcases often. 6. Throw away old eye cosmetics, such as mascara. 7. Don't share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items. Keep in mind that pink eye is no more contagious than the common cold. It's okay to return to work, school or child care if you're able to...
Preventing pink eye in newborns
Newborns' eyes are susceptible to bacteria present in the mother's birth canal. These bacteria often cause no symptoms in the mother. In some cases, these bacteria can cause infants to develop a serious form of conjunctivitis known as ophthalmia neonatorum, which needs immediate treatment to preserve sight. That's why shortly after birth, an antibiotic ointment is applied to every newborn's eyes. The ointment helps prevent eye infection.
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is inflammation and swelling of the thin layer that covers your eye and eyelid. Learn about the different types, causes, symptoms and treatments of conjunctivitis, and when to see a doctor.
- You may be contagious for a week or two if you have infective conjunctivitis, so avoid close contact with other people during this time. This is es...
- Conjunctivitis usually gets better within a couple of weeks without treatment, but it can last longer, and you may need specialist help. Allergic c...
- You can catch bacterial or viral conjunctivitis by coming into contact with a person with the condition, or if you share towels or make-up with the...
- If you wear contact lenses and don’t keep the lenses or lens cases clean, you may be more likely to get bacterial conjunctivitis. There’s also a ty...
- In adults, viruses usually cause conjunctivitis, whereas in children and older people, bacteria are a more common cause. There are other causes of...
- A GP or nurse will be able to tell you if conjunctivitis is viral or bacterial if they take a swab of your eye and send it to a laboratory to be te...
Apr 9, 2024 · Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the eye tissue that can be contagious and cause redness, discharge, and swelling. Learn about the types, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of pink eye, and when to see a doctor.
Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments of pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. Find out when to see a doctor, how to prevent spreading it, and what not to do.
Apr 17, 2024 · Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is when your eyes look pink because the membrane that covers the sclera, the white of your eye, is inflamed. Increased swelling and blood flow in the sclera are what cause it to change color.
Jun 26, 2019 · Learn how to treat pink eye at home or when to see a doctor. Find out the causes, symptoms, and healing time of different types of pink eye.
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