Pink eye conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva--the thin clear tissue that covers the sclera, or the white of the eye, and the inside of the eyelids. The conjunctiva does contain blood vessels; when these vessels get irritated, they expand which causes the pink color of the eye. Pink eye can be caused by a variety of organisms and substances; the treatment varies according to what the causative agent is.
Bacterial Infection
Staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria can cause pink eye conjunctivitis. This type of conjunctivitis typically causes a thick, yellow or green discharge. The bacteria can be transmitted by contact with unclean hands, unclean makeup or contact with other people. Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops, pills or ointments for about a week. The medication should be finished even if the eye symptoms improve.
Viral Infection
The same viruses that cause the common cold can cause viral conjunctivitis, and the virus can be spread in the same fashion. Discharge with this type of conjunctivitis is very light if present at all, but there may be a significant amount of tearing. Just as with the common cold, antibiotics are not very useful in treatment; viral conjunctivitis will improve over time, just as a cold does. Good hygiene, including proper hand washing, is important in preventing the spread of viral conjunctivitis.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is common in people who have seasonal allergic conditions such as hay fever or ragweed allergy. The ocular symptoms include itching and watering; typically patients have nasal symptoms present as well. Treating the systemic allergy with antihistamines or other allergy medications may improve the discomfort of allergic conjunctivitis, but eye drops are also available to treat the eye symptoms.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause bacterial conjunctivitis in both adults and children. Sexually active adults can contract this infection through infected secretions. This type of conjunctivitis is called ophthalmia neonatorum when it occurs in newborns; these newborns contract the infection when passing through the birth canal. This is a very serious infection; all newborns are usually given antibiotic eye drops or ointment at birth to treat any infection. However, for chlamydial conjunctivitis, the treatment has to be continued after confirmation of the diagnosis in the infant.
