Conjunctivitis

(Pink Eye)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the tissue that covers the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. It is called the conjunctiva.

Eye with Conjunctivitis

Causes

There are many causes, such as:

Virus
Bacteria
Allergens, such as seasonal allergies
Chemicals from things like air pollutants and chlorine

Risk Factors

The bacterial form is more common in children.

Things that may raise the risk are:

Spending time in crowded or close spaces
Contact with an infected person
Sharing towels, linens, or other items with an infected person
Having seasonal allergies or contact with known allergens
Being around chemical irritants
Wearing contact lenses

Symptoms

Symptoms are:

Teary eyes
Pink color in the white part of the eye
Swelling of the eyelid
Itching or burning eyes
Pus-like discharge
Sensitivity to light

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. An eye exam will be done. Eye discharge may be checked for signs of infection.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause.

Medicine

Most forms of conjunctivitis clear up with time. Some people may be given antibiotic eye drops or ointment to treat the bacterial form. Antibiotics cannot treat the viral form.

Artificial tears may be used. Some may have antihistamines in them to further ease symptoms. These are found at many stores.

Home Care

These methods may help ease problems:

Cold or warm compresses
Avoiding any causes of irritation
Not wearing contact lenses until problems are gone

Prevention

To lower the chance of this problem:

Use good hand hygiene.
Do not share personal items with others.
Do not share makeup or eye drops with others.
Avoid allergens.

RESOURCES:

American Optometric Association
http://www.aoa.org

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Ophthalmological Society
http://www.cos-sco.ca

College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca

References:

Allergic conjunctivitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/allergic-conjunctivitis. Updated November 16, 2018. Accessed November 21, 2019.

Azari AA, Barney NP. Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment. JAMA. 2013 Oct 23;310(16):1721-1729.

Infectious conjunctivitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/infectious-conjunctivitis. Updated February 7, 2019. Accessed November 21, 2019.

Pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated November 21, 2015. Accessed November 21, 2019.

Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
Last Updated: 8/18/2020

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