Pink Eyes – Symptoms and treatment

What are Pink eyes?

Pink eyes are also known as Conjunctivitis. Pink eyes are caused by the inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin membrane that covers the outer surface (white part) of the eyeball. Conjunctiva also lines the inside of the eyelid.  

When the blood vessels in the conjunctiva get inflamed, they become visible; however, Pink eyes are not a threatening one. Pink eyes rarely damage vision.  

What causes Pink eyes?

The most common cause of Pink eyes is inflammation and infection. The other causes include:

• Virus infection
• Bacterial infection
• Allergic reactions due to medications and certain eye drop, to allergens like pollen, dust or smoke and reaction to irritants like chemical or foreign substances accidentally get into your eyes.
• Blockage in tear duct (in newborns)
• Swollen lymph nodes

Pink eyes can also be caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Pink eyes in newborns can cause serious health problems.  

What are the symptoms of Pink eyes?

The symptoms vary according to the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. The following are the common symptoms of Pink eyes.

• Redness
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Blurred vision
• White discharge from the eyes
• Sensitivity towards the light

Are Pink eyes contagious?

Pink eyes are contagious if they are caused by viral or bacterial infections. It can easily be spread from one person to another.  

How is Pink eye diagnosed?

The symptoms will be the first step of diagnosis. Then the doctor will examine the eyes. A vision test will be conducted to check if the vision is affected.  

The doctor will collect the secretion around the eyes in case of severe infection. The collected sample will be sent to the lab for further diagnosis. The samples will be helpful to identify the cause of infection.  

What are the treatments for Pink eyes?

The treatment of Pink eyes normally depends upon the causes.  

• Viral Pink eyes last for days but get cures on their own without any treatment. A cold compress helps treat the Pink eyes and provides relief from the symptoms.

• Bacterial Pink eyes get cured by the antibiotic eyes drops or ointments prescribed by the doctor. If the infection is serious and the severity is high, then oral antibiotics will be prescribed. Follow the eye drop and their time intervals as advised by the doctor.  

• For the Pink eye caused by allergies, the doctor will prescribe eye drops that will ease the itchy eyes. If the irritation or itchiness is caused by other chemical substances, rinse the eyes gently at once. If the redness or itchiness prolongs, consult a doctor.  

Can Pink eyes reoccur?

Yes, pink eyes recur when the eyes are exposed to the same allergens triggering allergic reactions.

 What are the home remedies to treat Pink eyes?

Usually, Pink eyes are cured within a few days. If it reoccurs, then consult a doctor. The following are the home remedies to treat the symptoms of Pink eyes.

• Do not touch your eyes often
• Wash your hands often
• Do not share your face towel
• Keep your surroundings clean
• Wash your pillow cover  
• Do not rub or touch the infected eyes
• Use a warm or cold compress to ease the redness and itchy sensation

Conclusion  

The eyes are an important organ of the body. It is essential to take care of it. Pink eyes are not a serious condition; they are curable. Do not mistake Pink eyes for seasonal allergies. Usually, Pink eyes cure within a few days to two weeks without treatment. If it does not cure, do not overlook it.  

At times Pink eyes can also be the symptoms of certain serious problems. In case of severe pink eye, consult an eye doctor for medications.