What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the clear, outer membrane of the eye and the underside of the eyelid. Inflammation can occur from a bacterial infection, viral infection, or allergies.

What does pink eye look like? The appearance of conjunctivitis gives it its name of pink eye. The whites of the eyes can appear a light pink to red. In some cases of pink eye, the blood vessels on the eye can become inflamed, appear darker than usual, and give a pink or red appearance to the eye.

In addition to the pink appearance of the eye, the common symptoms of conjunctivitis are itchiness, pain, tearing, discharge from the eye, sensitivity to light, and a sensation that there is a foreign particle in the eye. Some types of pink eye have different symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitis is likely to cause a pink appearance, itchiness, and tearing or watery discharge.

Conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial infection is likely to cause a thick, yellowish discharge, red eyes, and may cause several of the other common symptoms. Viral conjunctivitis may have red or pink eyes, watery discharge, and the other common symptoms. People with viral conjunctivitis may have other signs of viral infection including upper respiratory symptoms of runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, or ear ache.

What are the medical treatments for conjunctivitis? Typically, only bacterial conjunctivitis has medical care, though allergic conjunctivitis may receive medical treatment target towards identifying the allergen and easing the discomfort of the symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines and over-the-counter eye drops. Viral conjunctivitis will run its course much like the common cold. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotics. Allergic conjunctivitis may be treated with eye drops or ointment that can contain decongestive, anti-inflammatory, or antibiotic medication.

Is conjunctivitis contagious? Most cases of conjunctivitis are contagious. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis that is medically treated with antibiotics is no longer considered contagious after the eyes have been treated for at least twenty-four hours. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

How is conjunctivitis spread? Conjunctivitis is spread from person to person by items that have been contaminated. Items can carry the viral or bacterial agent causing the conjunctivitis if someone with conjunctivitis touches or rubs their eyes before touching the item. Viral conjunctivitis may also be spread if the person with conjunctivitis sneezes or coughs on others. Proper hygiene including frequent hand washing can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.