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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ritu Arora, MS | Shroff Eye Centre
Pink Eye is also known as conjunctivitis. Pink Eye is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the membrane that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. When the conjunctiva gets irritated or infected the small blood vessels inside it swell up and become visible, this is what gives the eye that red or pink appearance.
Pink Eye is one of the common eye conditions seen by ophthalmologists in Delhi. It affects people across all age groups. Most cases of Pink Eye are mild and resolve within a week or two. However the cause of Pink Eye matters. This is because bacterial, viral and allergic Pink Eye each need an approach.
What Causes Pink Eye?
The inflammation in the blood vessels of the eye can be triggered by several things.
Viruses cause Pink Eye:
Viral Pink Eye is the common type. The same viruses responsible for the cold can also infect the eyes. It usually spreads quickly. Affects both eyes.
Bacteria cause pink eyes:
Bacterial Pink Eye is caused by organisms like Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae. It tends to produce more discharge than viral cases.
Allergens cause Pink Eye:
Pollen, dust, smoke and certain medicines can all trigger Pink Eye. This type is not contagious.
What are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?
Symptoms of Pink Eye can vary depending on the cause. The common symptoms include:
- Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
- Increased tearing
- Discharge that crusts over the eyelashes after sleep
- Gritty feeling in one or both eyes
- Itchy eyes (especially in the pink eye caused by allergies).
- Burning eyes (especially in the pink eye caused by chemicals and irritants).
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Swollen eyelids
How Is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Diagnosed?
There are some other serious eye diseases that can result from eye redness. This may cause eye pain, blurred vision and a subtle sensitivity. If you have all these symptoms contact your nearest eye hospital immediately.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them away and avoid putting them back in until you have seen a doctor. Your ophthalmologist will examine your eyes. May perform a visual acuity test to check whether your vision has been affected.
Is Pink Eye Contagious? How Does It Spread?
Since Pink eye is caused by viruses or bacteria ,they can be very easily transmitted from person to person. It is contagious. If you get pink eye due to bacteria, you can infect people around you within 24 to 48 hours after starting the medication. If you have it from a virus, you can spread it around as long as you have symptoms and or in some cases even before developing any symptoms. Pink eye caused by an allergy is not contagious. By using low quality or unhygienic eye makeup products or by sharing becomes contaminated with bacteria or viruses. By touching contaminated surfaces with bacteria or virus then touching your eyes without washing your hands is also medium to spread infection.
It’s best recommended to confine yourself indoors until recovered in order to limit it’s spreadability, keep in regular touch with your eye doctor and keep following the instructions and medication given by the eye specialist.
What is the Treatment of Pink Eye?
Treatment of Pink Eye depends on the type of conjunctivitis:
Viral Pink Eye:
There is no specific antiviral treatment for most cases. The infection clears on its own within 1 to 2 weeks.
Bacterial Pink Eye:
Antibiotic eye drops or ointment are prescribed to clear the infection and reduce how long you are contagious.
Allergic Pink Eye:
Antihistamine or mast cell stabiliser eye drops help manage symptoms. Avoiding the trigger is equally important.
Consult an Eye Specialist at Shroff Eye Centre.
Shroff Eye Centre has been providing ophthalmology care in Delhi since 1914. If you are experiencing redness, discharge or discomfort, book a consultation with our ophthalmologists today.
How to Prevent Pink Eye from Spreading?
Good eye hygiene goes a way in controlling the spread of Pink Eye. A few practical steps:
- Avoid touching your eyes with hands
- Wash your hands regularly after being in public spaces
- Use a towel or washcloth every day
- Do not share towels, pillows or eye makeup
- Change your pillowcase regularly during an infection
- Use lubricating eye drops as prescribed by your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pink Eye
Q: How does Pink Eye last?
Pink Eye usually clears within 7 to 14 days without treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis typically improves within 2 to 5 days of starting antibiotic drops. Allergic conjunctivitis persists as long as you are exposed to the trigger.
Q: Can Pink Eye go away on its own?
Mild viral and allergic Pink Eye often resolve without medication. Bacterial Pink Eye needs antibiotic treatment.
Q: Is Pink Eye contagious after starting treatment?
With bacterial conjunctivitis, you are generally considered less contagious after 24 to 48 hours of antibiotic treatment. With viral pink eye, you can remain contagious until symptoms are completely gone.
Q: Can I wear contact lenses if I have Pink Eye?
No. Remove your contact lenses soon as you notice symptoms and do not wear them again until your ophthalmologist confirms the infection has fully cleared.
