Pink Eye

What Is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is a condition that occurs when there is irritation or infection in the conjunctiva — the clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye. This condition can result in noticeable discomfort lasting for several days or weeks, along with a noticeably red (or pink) eye.

What Causes Pink Eye?

Most commonly, pink eye is caused by a bacterial infection, viral infection, or an allergic reaction.

The Types of Pink Eye

When it comes to pink eye, there are three main types, and each type has different causes and symptoms. The three main types of pink eye include viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and allergic conjunctivitis. Below, we’ve gone into further detail about these conjunctivitis types:

• Viral Conjunctivitis – The most common type of pink eye, viral conjunctivitis is very contagious and can be transmitted by touch, often spread at schools and crowded public places. It is characterized by red, burning eyes with watery discharge.
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis – This type of pink eye is caused by a bacterial infection and is also highly contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis produces a red, sore eye that emits sticky pus.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis – The only form of pink eye that is not contagious, this type of conjunctivitis results from an allergic reaction, causing the eye to become watery and have itchiness, redness, and often puffy eyelids as well.

The Symptoms of Pink Eye

While symptoms of pink eye can vary depending on which type of pink eye a patient is suffering from, the most common pink eye symptoms include the following:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Itchiness in one or both eyes
• Tearing in one or both eyes
• Discharge in one or both eyes
• A gritty feeling in one or both eyes

We Offer Conjunctivitis Treatment

Patients will find various types of conjunctivitis treatments at Dean McGee Eye Institute. Treatment options for pink eye are dependent on the type. Viral conjunctivitis has no specific and effective treatments; you must simply allow your body to fight off the virus on its own. With bacterial conjunctivitis, your ophthalmologist will often prescribe an antibiotic eye drop solution to help clear it up. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated similarly but with eye drops to help with itching and puffiness. Whatever type of conjunctivitis you have, we can treat it for you.

Contact Us Today for Pink Eye Treatment

Pink eye typically clears up on its own after one to two weeks, regardless of the type. With that said, an ophthalmologist can often provide treatments that can speed up the healing of conjunctivitis and check to ensure a more serious eye problem is not causing the issue. If you or a loved one is currently experiencing pink eye symptoms, the Dean McGee Eye Institute team can help. To learn more about our pink eye treatment options or schedule an appointment, contact us today.