Causes of conjunctivitis

Information on Pinkeye

Pinkeye is a medical condition which can be caused by numerous different factors such as different types of viruses, allergic reactions, various types of bacteria, dust, irritants, pollen, shampoos, pool chlorine, smoke and dirt. Bacterial or viral instances of pinkeye can be transferred from person to person.

Pinkeye can be recognized by certain symptoms but they may vary, depending on the actual cause of the inflammatory condition. These symptoms may include redness in the white of the eye, increased light sensitivity, redness in the inner eyelid, blurred vision, increased amount of tears, burning eyes, thick yellow discharge, itchy eyes, crusted eyelashes, and discharge from the eye.

If a person experiences any of the listed symptoms, she or he should visit a professional healthcare provider to get examined. Samples need to be analyzed in the lab in order to diagnose the condition properly.

Treatment and Causes

Pinkeye treatment always depends on the factors that caused the condition in the first place. Pinkeye can be caused by different types of bacteria which may also include sexually transmitted diseases.

This type of pinkeye needs to be treated with antibiotics which may be in the form of ointments, eye drops or pills. Pills need to be used orally while other forms of medication need to be applied topically. Pinkeye can also be triggered by numerous different types of viruses, especially those who otherwise trigger common cold as well.

This type of pinkeye can be rather contagious. Pinkeye can also be caused by various irritating substances. In this case, the patient just needs to wash the eyes with water.

Pinkeye can also be associated with numerous different types of allergies. When the allergy gets treated and the allergen factor gets removed the pinkeye also disappears.

The symptoms of pinkeye can be relieved by protecting the eyes from various different irritating substances, using non-prescription artificial tears, avoiding the use of any makeup and avoiding the use of contact lenses. There are certain measures of precaution that can be taken in order to prevent the occurrence and spreading of the pinkeye.

One should avoid touching or rubbing the infected eyes. The patient needs to wash the hands with soap as often as possible. Any discharge from the affected eyes needs to be washed away as soon as possible.

Towels, bed linens and pillowcases need to be washed as well. Eye makeup should be avoided and it should not be shared with anyone. Contact lenses must never be shared. Glasses and towels should not be shared.

Sometimes pinkeye can cause serious sight threatening medical conditions.