Conjunctivitis also called pink eye is an infection or swelling of the eye that can cause the whites of the eye to take on a pink or red color.

Causes

Pink eye is commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection but it may also be caused by:

• Allergens (something you are allergic too)
• Chemicals
• Contact lens
• A foreign body in the eye (like a loose eyelash)

Symptoms

Symptoms of pink eye may include

• Pink or red color in the white of the eye(s)
• Swelling of the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid and/or eyelids (the conjunctiva)
• Increased tear production
• Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s)
• Itching, irritation, and/or burning
• Discharge from the eye
• Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning

When to go to the emergency room

You should seek urgent medical care in the following cases

You have experienced changes in vision. Pink eye rarely affects our vision so if you notice vision changes, seek urgent care

• A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• If your symptoms don’t start to get better within 12 to 24 hours or if your symptoms worsen over time.

If you experience one or more of the above, seek medical help as a matter of urgency

Management

Pink eye does not always require urgent care. It depends on the severity and the cause.

In all cases however, if you wear contact lenses, remove them as soon as pink eye symptoms begin. Do not put them back on until symptoms are completely resolved.

Mild cases of pink eye

These usually go away on their own within a few days. To help relieve some of the inflammation and dryness caused by pinkeye:

• Use cold compresses or artificial tears (these are available over the counter without a prescription).

Pink eye that is caused by a virus (Viral conjunctivitis) or a bacterial infection (bacterial conjunctivitis)

Viral conjunctivitis does not usually need treatment and resolves on its own. Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotics to reduce the length of your symptoms and the amount of time you’re contagious.

Because it usually requires a medical doctor to help determine whether you have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, it is important to go to an emergency room if you notice any of the symptoms listed above or if your pink eye doesn’t get better over 12-24 hours.

Transmission

It’s important to note that Pink eye is extremely contagious and can be spread by close personal contact. This may happen by

• Touching or shaking hands
• Touching your eyes before washing your hands and then touching another object or person.

If you have pink eye, practice good hand hygiene. Additionally, be sure to let household contacts know that you’ll be taking extra precautions to help stop transmission.