Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a medical condition where the conjunctiva in your eye becomes irritated by something such as allergies or an infection.
Pink eye is typically identified by the eyes becoming red, inflamed, sore, and swollen, with the occasional side effect of sticky discharge. Pink eye can also be highly contagious and spread to both eyes and other people if proper hygiene is not performed.
Thankfully, while irritating, pink eye rarely causes any permanent damage to the eyes and can be treated by making a trip to your nearest downtown Vancouver optometry clinic and speaking with an optometrist.
The following is a more in-depth look at the different types of conjunctivitis and its causes.
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Types of Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis is primarily caused by bacteria, allergies, or a virus that enters the eye. Viral pink eye is the most common type of conjunctivitis and is the most contagious of the bunch, easily spreading in crowded environments such as schools and offices.
Viral conjunctivitis is often caused by the same viruses found in the common cold and is often met with sore, burning eyes with a runny discharge.
Bacterial pink eye is also a contagious form of conjunctivitis caused by bacteria forming within the eye. This form of bacteria is also red and sore like its viral variant; however, it often comes with thicker and more sticky pus.
Finally, pink eye related to allergies is caused by irritants such as pollen, smoke, chlorine, animal danger, dust, and more. Unlike other forms of pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and does not usually come with discharge and pus. The eye and eyelids may get puffy, as well as itchy and puffy.
How Does Conjunctivitis Spread
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious and easily spread between people. Some of the most common ways the condition spreads are:
Making direct contact with a person who has pink eye. This can include being close to their eye area or touching their hands after they have been rubbing around the area themselves.
Making contact with the bacteria or infections from conditions that can cause pink eyes, such as the common cold or strep throat. This can include sneezing or coughing, with residual contact hitting the eye area
Improper cleaning of contact lenses, resulting in a buildup of bacteria to be inserted onto the eye
Using cosmetics such as a makeup brush, eyeliner, or eyelash curler without properly cleaning them.
Treatment for Pink Eye
As there are multiple types of pink eye, the treatment methods can vary to remove the condition from you. Conjunctivitis related to allergies, for example, can often be solved with allergy drops and medication.
Meanwhile, bacterial pink eye will likely need to be treated by a doctor using antibiotics.
Finally, viral conjunctivitis does not typically have a specific cure and instead needs to gradually be fought off by the body like a common cold. However, certain treatments, such as a cool and clean compress, can help reduce certain symptoms such as swelling and itchiness.
