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pink eye
Pink eye or conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the surface layer of the eye and the eyelids inner surface causing a reddening of the eye. These membranes are affected by different viruses, bacteria, toxic agents, and irritants as well as diseases of the body. Bacterial and viral forms of pink eye are commonly experienced during childhood but can also occur in adults. Pink eye usually starts in one eye but both eyes can be affected at the same time. The causes of pink eye can either be classified as infectious or non infectious. The symptoms include discharge, tearing, redness, pain, and itching.
Infection by viruses is the main cause for the condition. The type of virus that is most frequently responsible for the infection is the adenoviruses. The symptom that a viral pink eye is typically associated with is a watery discharge that is not yellow or green in color. Often, this is accompanied with a runny nose and sinus congestion. The eyelids may also get swollen and looking at bright lights will cause some pain. Though you may not need to use an antibiotic for viral pink eye you should make sure to see a doctor. This is because the pink eye can also be due to an infection of the cornea which should be correctly detected and proper treatment administered. The symptoms are most prominent for the first three or five days after the first appearance. This will slowly get resolved by two weeks.
Streptococci and Staphylococci are the most common types of bacteria that cause pink eye. The symptoms of pink eye caused by bacteria include swelling, redness, eye pain, and a yellow or green discharge which could be moderate to large. Bacterial pink eye may require an ointment or antibiotic drops suggested by the doctor. The treatment of pink eye also includes cold or warm compresses. If the condition is due to an allergic reaction a cold compress will feel better. However, if the pinkeye is due to an infection a moist, warm compress will bring down the swelling and redness and sooth your eyes. You must remember to have separate compresses for each eye and change them after each application. There are various medications which are effective for pink eye and will be prescribed by the doctor if necessary. Even though the condition of pink eye can seem alarming because of the redness it causes and the rapidity with which it spreads, it doesn’t usually cause any long-term damage to the eye. However, it is important that you get it checked by a doctor as some types of pink eye go away naturally but other kinds require special treatment.
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