Pink eye is also called conjunctivitis which is an infection caused in the conjunctiva of the eyelid. A transparent membrane covers the conjunctiva of the eyeball and when inflammation develops on this membrane it causes pink eye. Once the membrane becomes swelled up, the eyeballs become more prominent and visible which causes pinkish eye or red colored eyes.
The inflammation on the membrane is caused by viral or bacterial infection. It can be trigged by allergic reaction or any underlying medical condition. It may even occur in infants and small children due to opened tear duct.
Symptoms :
Symptoms of pink eye are obviously changed color of the eyes. Both the eyes may look reddish or pink in color. There may be moderate to severe itching sensation in the affected eyes. For some people, it looks as though sand particles were thrown inside the eye. Further there may be whitish fluid discharge from the affected eyes. Due to warmth and infection, a curst like layer is formed inside the eyes making it difficult to open the eyes after you wake up in the morning. It may cause blurred vision and pain with discomfort in the eyes.
Causes of pink eye :
Some of the factors that cause pink eye or conjunctivitis are bacterial or viral infection, allergic reaction, presence of foreign particles on the eye, accidentally splashing chemical particles on the eye, and due to blocked tear duct.
Viral and bacterial infection may affect either one eye or both. It produces irritation and heavy water like discharge. In case the infection is caused by bacteria it would produce greenish discharge. In many cases, the bacterial infection may occur due to common cold or sore throat. The infection on the eyes is contagious and spreads either by direct contact or by sharing towels that contain discharge. This type of viral infection is more prevalent in children than adults.
Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the factors that causes pink eye. It is caused by allergy producing substances like pollen. The body starts producing antibodies in response to allergens thus releasing immunoglobulin E. This antibody affects the mucous lining surrounding the eyes which in turn release histamines that causes inflammation on the eyes. Thus histamine is one of the major causes for getting pink eye or conjunctivitis. There would be severe itching on the eyes and it gets inflamed. Further it will produce watery discharge apart from sneezing and coughing.
Accidentally while cleaning the toilets or handling certain chemicals, small particles may enter into your eyes causing inflammation. Out of anxiety, the affected person will indulge in flushing the foreign
particles from the eye causing more irritation. The eyes may secrete watery discharge and mucus profusely.
However you can leave it to settle on its own without crushing the eyes.
People who are wearing contact lenses for extended period of time may get eye infection.
Pictures of pink eye :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of pink eye
Treatment :
The course of treatment depends on the causative factor that is responsible for causing pink eye. In case of bacterial infection, you need to consult your doctor for applying antibiotic eye drops. However you need to be careful with children while applying drops or ointment since it may cause blurring of vision temporarily. It would settle by two or three days by repeatedly applying eye drops.
In case of allergic reaction then your doctor would prescribe drugs like antihistamines for managing allergens. He would also prescribe steroid containing drops that reduce inflammation.