Pink eye is inflammation of the mucous membrane that covers the eye/eyes and underside of the eyelids, this is called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is typically clear, but when this lining becomes infected either by a virus, bacteria or allergies the conjunctiva becomes red and swollen, hence the term conjunctivitis or pink eye. At one point or another in our lives most people have or will come down with a case of conjunctivitis, or what is more commonly called pink eye.
Pink eye is highly contagious particularly among school age children; however adults are just as susceptible as children are to pink eye. Conjunctivitis is spread by coming in direct contact with the eye secretions of an infected person. And while pink eye is a very common affliction of the eye or eyes, it is important to note that in some cases the cause of pink eye may indicate a more serious issue at the root and necessitate seeking medical help immediately. More often than not though pink eye usually lasts about a week (or sooner in some cases) to 10 days, resolving on its own with home health remedies, so typically no medical intervention is needed.
People who use contact lenses will need to remove them and discontinue contact lense use until the pink eye has been completely resolved.
What causes pink eye?
Usually pink eye is caused by simple means of irritation such as; allergies, dry eyes, smoke, chemical fumes, prolonged exposure to sun or wind and is not serious. Of course it is also contracted by direct or indirect contact with the eye secretions of an infected person.Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Usually pink eye is caused by simple means of irritation such as; dry eyes, smoke, chemical fumes or prolonged exposure to sun or wind, it produces a thicker greenish-yellow discharge and is not serious; this means of contraction is known as bacterial conjunctivitis. The typical case of bacterial pink eye lasts about a week to ten days and requires no medical treatment other than home health remedy treatments.Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is typically caused by an adenovirus (common cold respiratory infection) it typically produces a thin watery discharge. However, it may also be caused by a more serious condition such as; auto immune disease, gonorrhea or the herpes virus. Just as with bacterial conjunctivitis the duration of viral pink eye is about the same week to 10 days, however it is not unusual for it to last up to 3 weeks.Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is the body’s response to an allergic reaction to pollen, pet dander or other air borne irritants. During an allergic episode the body will produce immunoglobulin E, an antibody that directs your body to produce mast cells in the mucous lining of the eyes which in turn can produce histamines to be released in your body. The release of histamines can then trigger a case of allergic conjunctivitis. Typically allergic pink eye can be resolved with allergy eye drops.Symptoms of Pink Eye
- Itchy eye or eyes
- Watery, tearing eye or eyes
- Red or pink eye or eyes (whites)
- Swollen eye lid/s
- Gritty feeling in one or both eyes
- A discharge from the eye/eyes which can be thin and watery or thick and sticky in one or both eyes, the discharge may produce a crust like formation on the eyelids and lashes overnight which may make it difficult to open your eyes after sleeping.
