Learn About Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

What is the definition of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

The conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes swollen or inflamed.

This swelling can be due to an infection, an irritant, dry eyes, or an allergy.

What are the alternative names for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Inflammation - conjunctiva; Pink eye; Chemical conjunctivitis, Pinkeye; Pink-eye; Allergic conjunctivitis

What are the causes of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Tears most often protect the eyes by washing away germs and irritants. Tears contain proteins and antibodies that kill germs. If your eyes are dry, germs and irritants are more likely to cause problems.

Conjunctivitis is most often caused by germs such as viruses and bacteria.

  • "Pink eye" most often refers to a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily among children.
  • Conjunctivitis can be found in people with COVID-19 before they have other typical symptoms.
  • In newborns, an eye infection may be caused by bacteria in the birth canal. This must be treated at once to preserve eyesight.
  • Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed due to a reaction to pollen, dander, mold, or other allergy-causing substances.

A type of long-term allergic conjunctivitis may occur in people who have chronic allergies or asthma. This condition is called vernal conjunctivitis. It most commonly occurs in young men and boys in the spring and summer months. A similar condition can occur in long-time contact lens wearers. It may make it difficult to continue to wear contact lenses.

Anything which irritates the eye may also cause conjunctivitis. These include:

  • Chemicals.
  • Smoke.
  • Dust.
  • Over-use of contact lenses (often extended-wear lenses) can lead to conjunctivitis.
What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Crusts that form on the eyelid overnight (most often caused by bacteria)
  • Eye pain
  • Gritty feeling in the eyes
  • Increased tearing
  • Itching of the eye
  • Redness in the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
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What are the current treatments for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause.

Allergic conjunctivitis may improve when allergies are treated. It may go away on its own when you avoid your allergy triggers. Cool compresses may help soothe allergic conjunctivitis. Eye drops that contain antihistamines for the eye or drops containing steroids, may be necessary in more severe cases.

Antibiotic medicines work well to treat conjunctivitis caused by bacteria. These are most often given in the form of eye drops. Most cases of viral conjunctivitis will go away on its own without antibiotic eye drops. Mild steroid eye drops may help ease discomfort.

If your eyes are dry, if may help to use artificial tears in conjunction with any other drops you may be using. Be sure to allow about 10 minutes in between using different types of eye drops. Crustiness of the eyelids can be helped by applying warm compresses. Gently press clean cloth soaked in warm water to your closed eyes.

Other helpful steps include:

  • Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke, direct wind, and air conditioning.
  • Use a humidifier, especially in the winter.
  • Limit medicines that may dry you out and worsen your symptoms.
  • Clean eyelashes regularly and apply warm compresses.
Who are the top Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Local Doctors?
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology

Emory Medical Care Foundation Inc

80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr Se, 
Atlanta, GA 
 0.4 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Ted Wojno is an Ophthalmologist in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Wojno and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye). His top areas of expertise are Benign Essential Blepharospasm, Blocked Tear Duct, Eyelid Drooping, and Ptosis. Dr. Wojno is currently accepting new patients.

Emory Medical Care Foundation Inc

80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr Se, 
Atlanta, GA 
 0.4 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Jacquelyn O'banion is an Ophthalmologist in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. O'banion and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye). Her top areas of expertise are Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataract, and Optic Neuritis. Dr. O'banion is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology

Eugene B. Gabianelli, MD And Assoc. LLC

550 Peachtree St Ne, Suite 1500, 
Atlanta, GA 
 1.3 mi
Accepting New Patients

Stephen Knight is an Ophthalmologist in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Knight and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye). His top areas of expertise are Glaucoma, Cataract, Chalazion, and Ocular Hypertension (OHT). Dr. Knight is currently accepting new patients.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

The outcome for bacterial infections is most often good with early antibiotic treatment. Pinkeye (viral conjunctivitis) can easily spread through entire households or classrooms, but a full recovery is expected.

When should I contact a medical professional for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Contact your provider if:

  • Your symptoms last longer than 3 or 4 days.
  • Your vision is affected.
  • You have light sensitivity.
  • You develop eye pain that is severe or becoming worse.
  • Your eyelids or the skin around your eyes becomes swollen or red.
  • You have a headache in addition to your other symptom.
How do I prevent Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis. Things you can do include:

  • Change pillowcases daily.
  • Do not share eye makeup and replace it regularly.
  • Do not share towels or handkerchiefs.
  • Handle and clean contact lenses properly.
  • Keep hands away from the eye.
  • Wash your hands often.
What are the latest Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Clinical Trials?
THE ROLE OF HEXAMIDINE DIISETHIONATE (ZAMIDINE®) 1MG/ML 0.6ML EYE DROPS IN THE PROPHYLAXIS OF SURGERY OFTALMIC

Summary: Data will be gathered from patients who report having any kind of recurrent conjunctivitis and who, in accordance with clinical practice, are scheduled to have intravitreal injections, glaucoma surgery, cataract surgery, vitrectomy, combined cataract and vitrectomy, or corneal transplantation. The data will be obtained using pseudonyms from the patients' medical records and will include the outcom...

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A Randomized, Double-masked, Placebo-controlled Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of REGN1908-1909 to Reduce Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis in Participants With Cat Allergy

Summary: This study is researching 2 experimental drugs, REGN1908 and REGN1909, which are called REGN1908-1909 when mixed together (called study drug) to reduce eye allergy signs and symptoms from cat allergy. The aim of the study is to see how safe and effective the study drug is at lowering allergic eye signs and symptoms compared with placebo. A placebo looks like a treatment but does not contain any re...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: July 09, 2024
Published By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Conjunctivitis (pink eye). How to prevent pink eye. www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/prevention/index.html. Updated April 15, 2024. Accessed August 16, 2024.

Dupre AA, Vojta LR. Red and painful eye. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 18.

Khavandi S, Tabibzadeh E, Naderan M, Shoar S. Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) presenting as conjunctivitis: atypically high-risk during a pandemic. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2020;43(3):211-212. PMID: 32354654 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32354654/.

Kumar NM, Barnes SD, Pavan-Langston D, Azar DT. Microbial conjunctivitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 112.

Rubenstein JB, Kelly E. Infectious conjunctivitis.. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.6.