1. The Problem
Pink eye or conjunctivitis gets its name from the pink coloring that the eye membranes takes on. The transparent coverings or membranes of the eyes are susceptible to many different viruses, bacteria and allergies in the air. Look for symptoms to diagnose pink eye, which can include swollen or puffy eyelids, a gritty feeling in the infected eye, stinging, light sensitivity or a crusty discharge that may be yellow or green in color. Pink eye is most common to show up in flu season, and its duration is about a week.
2. Viral Pink Eye is Very Contagious
The most common form of pink eye is the viral pink eye, and it's highly contagious. Symptoms are visible within 3 days after you've been directly exposed. Viral pink eye symptoms lean toward having a watery or clear discharge rather than the typical yellow or green discharge. This type of pink eye takes on characteristics like a cold virus, which can include congestion in the sinuses or nasal area in addition to the visible pink eye. Antibiotics don't help to get rid the virus, but rather it has to run its course like a cold. However, there's a chance it can spread to the eye cornea forming an infection. If this happens, see your doctor for treatment of the cornea.
3. Bacteria Puts the Pink in Eyes
Children with bacterial pink eye wake up in a panic, because they can't see. Actually, their eyes are stuck shut due to the crusty discharge that formed while they were sleeping. Just use a warm damp washcloth to moisten and wipe the discharge away. Other symptoms include red swollen eyes, eye pain and that green or yellowish colored discharge. It's best to see your doctor with a bacterial pink eye infection as antibiotics or eye drops are usually required. This infection usually develops along with other infections such as ear infections, serious coughs or throat infections.
4. Dangers For Newborns
The pink eye can be diagnosed in newborns. The baby's eyes are swollen pink or red with some discharge. This isn't the same as the viral or bacterial types, rather it develops because the new baby has tear ducts that aren't open or haven't finished developing.
5. Allergies
Pink eye symptoms develop due to allergies in air-borne irritants. Your doctor can properly diagnose this type with symptoms including watery or teary eyes, lots of itching of the eye, swollen eyelids and membranes. Another way to tell or diagnose whether this is pink eye due to allergens is that it usually shows up in addition to other allergies symptoms like throat irritations, scratchy nose and some sneezing. It isn't contagious, but eye drops may still be needed to give relief to the eye symptoms.
