Pink eye

The conjunctiva is the thin, clear membrane over the white part of the eye; it also lines the eyelids. Inflammation of this membrane is called conjunctivitis. Its common name, pink eye, can refer to all forms of conjunctivitis, or just to its contagious forms.

Causes of Pink eye

1. Bacteria – when the eyes are red with yellow or green drainage oozing or crusting in the eye throughout the day and night, then bacteria are usually the culprit. The eyelids may also be swollen. Affects one or both eyes.

2. Virus – when the eyes are very red, but there is no drainage, or only a small amount of drainage or crusting upon waking up, then it is probably viral conjunctivitis. Usually affects both eyes.

3. Allergy – allergic conjunctivitis is usually seasonal, mostly in the spring. The eyes are usually red with no drainage, and unusually itchy. Usually affects both eyes.

4. Foreign body – a piece of sand or dirt stuck under the eyelid can cause redness, tearing, pain and drainage. Usually affects one eye.

5. Plugged tear duct– this is a problem for newborns up to one year of age. It is eye drainage without any eye redness. Affects one or both eyes. Click on it for more info.

6. Scratched eye– can cause redness, tearing, and is very painful. Affects only one eye. Click on it for more info.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Treatment

1. Avoidance. Your first line of defense is to avoid the cause of conjunctivitis. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis spread easily to others. Here are some tips to avoid spreading the conditions or re-infecting yourself: Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.

2. Don't share washcloths, towels or pillowcases with anyone else, and wash these items after each use.

3. Don't share eyedrops or cosmetics such as eyeliner, eye shadow or mascara. Replace them after you're healed, to avoid re-infection.

4. Your eyecare practitioner may recommend that you discontinue contact lens wear during this time or replace your contact lenses after you're healed.

5. Warm compress – hold a warm, wet washcloth against the eye and gently wipe away any drainage.

6. Saline eye drops – or artificial tears can sooth the eye whatever the cause. These can also be used to flush out any sand or dirt stuck in the eye.

7. Antibiotic ointment or drops – this is the treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis only.

8. Allergy eye drops – there are several prescription and over-the-counter antihistamine drops that can help alleviate eye allergies.

9. Visine - these over-the-counter drops can help with redness and irritation of sore eyes, except with bacterial conjunctivitis.