Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is often called pink eye. It happens when the conjunctiva is irritated by an infection or allergies. Your eyes are red and swollen (inflamed), and sometimes they have a sticky discharge. You can have conjunctivitis in one or both eyes. Some types of pink eye are very contagious (easily spread from person to person). There are three main types of conjunctivitis:

  • Viral conjunctivitis
  • Bacterial conjunctivitis
  • Allergic conjunctivitis

Symptoms of conjunctivitis may include:

  • The feeling that something is in your eye, or a gritty sensation in your eye
  • Red eyes
  • Burning eyes
  • Painful eyes (this is usually with the bacterial form)
  • Lots of mucus, pus, or thick yellow discharge from your eye. There can be so much that your eyelashes stick together (usually with bacterial conjunctivitis).

If your conjunctivitis is caused by a viral infection, there are no specific treatments. Your body fights the virus on its own. Placing a cool, wet washcloth on your eyes can help make them feel more comfortable.

If your pink eye is caused by a bacterial infection, your ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, depending on how severe your symptoms are. Antibiotics do not treat an infection caused by a virus or by allergy.

If your conjunctivitis is due to allergies, you might be told to use certain eye drops to help with the itchiness and puffiness.

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