What Does Pink Eye Look Like

Conjunctivitis is also known as “pink eye”. This is an eye inflammation that affects conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is the thin, moisture-filled membrane that covers the whites of the eyelids and the inner eyelids.

Conjunctivitis may affect one or both eyes. This is a common condition that does not require a doctor’s visit.

This article discusses conjunctivitis types and symptoms.

The redness of the conjunctiva and the increased production of tears are symptoms that may accompany this condition.

Symptoms

Conjunctivitis can occur for a variety of reasons. There are four primary types that doctors classify according to the cause of conjunctivitis:

• Bacterial transmissible
• Viral transmissible
• allergic
• Irritating

Conjunctivitis can present with a variety of symptoms.

• Redness of the whites of the eye
• Itching
• Burning
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Increased tear production
• Swelling of the White of the Eye
• Eyelids puffy
• discharge
• Eye crusting is more common in the morning.
• Blurry Vision
• light sensitivity
• The sensation of something being stuck in your eye

Bacterial symptoms

It can cause the eyelids to stick together and may occur alongside an ear infection. The eyelids may stick together, and it can occur along with an ear infections.

The excessive yellow-green discharge can make bacterial conjunctivitis seem alarming, even though it’s usually not painful.

Viral symptoms

Viral conjunctivitis is characterized by a more watery discharge. It usually starts with one eye and spreads to the other over a period of days. This may occur in conjunction with an infection of the respiratory system, such as influenza.

Swollen lymph nodes are also common in the area of the ears.

Viral infections are associated with more pain, redness, and light sensitivity.

Allergic symptoms

Both eyes are affected when an allergy causes conjunctivitis. Itching, swelling and excessive tears are common symptoms. The discharge tends to be clear.

Irritant symptoms

Conjunctivitis can be caused by foreign bodies, eye trauma and chemical exposure.

The most common symptoms are redness, swelling and excessive tears.

Conjunctivitis vs. stye

Both conjunctivitis and a stye can occur at the same time.

Conjunctivitis causes irritation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis is usually an infection but not always. Noninfectious agents such as allergens or irritants can cause conjunctiva inflammation.

Styes are pustules that develop in the glands of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis affects both the lid and the white part of the eye.

Diagnosis

There is no single test to diagnose conjunctivitis due to the many possible causes. Conjunctivitis is usually diagnosed by a doctor visually assessing the symptoms of a patient. Also, they ask about the person’s history of eye problems and if there are any associated symptoms.

Physical eye tests help doctors assess the structure and function of the eyes in addition to the outward signs.

When conjunctivitis is associated with colds sores, doctors may use fluorescein stain. This uses a nontoxic, greenish-orange dye with UV light to check for abnormalities in the normally smooth corneal surface.

Conjunctival tissue scrapings are sometimes necessary in severe cases or chronic conjunctivitis.

Treatment

The treatment of conjunctivitis depends on its underlying cause. However, the majority of cases are caused by self-limiting virus infections that resolve themselves within 2 to 4 weeks.

Although antibiotics may not be effective in viral conjunctivitis symptoms, symptomatic relief is still possible using

• Warm or Cold compresses
• Artificial tears

If symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe topical steroids to reduce inflammation. A doctor might recommend antiviral treatment if HSV is the cause of conjunctivitis.

Antiviral drugs include:

• Trifluridine 1% Drops
• ganciclovir 0.15% gel
• oral acyclovir

Bacterial treatment

To treat bacterial conjunctivitis, doctors may prescribe antibiotic eye drops and ointments. The affected eye must be used every two to six hours up to seven days. Antibiotics can include:

• Ciprofloxacin
• Polymyxin B/trimethoprim
• The drug is called oloxacin.
• Azithromycin

Allergy treatment

The primary treatment for allergic conjunctivitis is to avoid allergens. Topical medications, such as:

• antihistamines
• Vasoconstrictors
• steroids
• Mast cell inhibitors

When allergic conjunctivitis occurs as part of an overall reaction, oral antihistamines or immune modulators are often necessary.

Cold compresses are more soothing for allergic conjunctivitis than warm compresses.

Outlook

The majority of conjunctivitis cases can be treated easily and are self-limiting. They also do not cause any lasting damage to your eye.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have conjunctivitis may want to avoid close contact to prevent spreading the infection.

Summary

Conjunctivitis causes irritation of the conjunctiva. It usually resolves in 2-3 weeks.

Redness, burning, crusting, and itching are the main symptoms. The most common causes are a bacterial or viral infection, or an allergy reaction to an allergen such as mold or pollen spores.

Conjunctivitis can be treated with eye drops and at-home remedies, such as cold or hot compresses.