Overview

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white a part of your eyeball. When small blood vessels within the conjunctiva become inflamed, they're more visible. This is what causes the whites of your eyes to seem reddish or pink.

Pink eye is usually caused by a bacterial or virus infection, an allergy, or — in babies — an incompletely opened lacrimal duct .

Though pink eye are often irritating, it rarely affects your vision. Treatments can help ease the discomfort of pink eye. Because pink eye are often contagious, early diagnosis and treatment can help limit its spread.

Symptoms

The most common pink eye symptoms include:

Ø  Redness in one or both eyes

Ø  Itchiness in one or both eyes

Ø  A gritty feeling in one or both eyes

Ø  Tearing

When to see a doctor

There are serious eye conditions which will cause eye redness. These conditions may cause eye pain, a sense that something is stuck in your eye (foreign body sensation), blurred vision and lightweight sensitivity. If you experience these symptoms, seek urgent care.

People who wear contact lenses got to stop wearing their contacts as soon as pink eye symptoms begin. If your symptoms don't start to urge better within 12 to 24 hours, make a meeting together with your ophthalmologist to form sure you do not have a more serious eye infection related to contact lens use.

Causes

Causes of pink eye include:

Ø  Viruses

Ø  Bacteria

Ø  Allergies

Ø  A chemical splash in the eye

Ø  A foreign object in the eye

Ø  In newborns, a blocked tear duct

Risk factors

Risk factors for pink eye include:

Ø  Exposure to something for which you have an allergy (allergic conjunctivitis)

Ø  Exposure to someone infected with the viral or bacterial form of conjunctivitis

Ø  Using contact lenses, especially extended-wear lenses

Complications

In both children and adults, pink eye can cause inflammation within the cornea which will affect vision. Prompt evaluation and treatment by your doctor for eye pain, a sense that something is stuck in your eye (foreign body sensation), blurred vision or light sensitivity can reduce the risk of complications.

Prevention

Practice good hygiene to regulate the spread of pink eye. For instance:

Ø  Don't touch your eyes with your hands.

Ø  Wash your hands often.

Ø  Use a clean towel and washcloth daily.

Ø  Don't share towels or washcloths.

Ø  Change your pillowcases often.

Ø  Throw away your eye cosmetics, such as mascara.

Ø  Don't share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.

Keep in mind that pink eye is not any more contagious than the cold . It's okay to return to work, school or child care if you're not able to take time off — just stay consistent in practicing good hygiene.

Preventing pink eye in newborns

Newborns' eyes are vulnerable to bacteria normally present within the mother's passage. These bacteria cause no symptoms in the mother. In rare cases, these bacteria can cause infants to develop a significant sort of conjunctivitis referred to as ophthalmia , which needs treatment at once to preserve sight. That's why shortly after birth, an antibiotic ointment is applied to each newborn's eyes. The ointment helps prevent eye infection.

Notice: Please consult your doctor before following any instruction of www.myonlinedoctor.co.in