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What is Conjunctivitis?

The Infamous Pink Eye!

What is it?

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as Pink Eye, happens when the conjunctiva is irritated in one’s eyeball. Often, this can be caused by an infection or other allergies. When your eyes appear red and inflamed, they’re more than likely going to be accompanied by a yellowy, sticky discharge. You can have conjunctivitis in one or both of your eyes and can very easily spread from person to person. Most cases are in kids between 12-15, around the Junior High mark.

It affects two main parts of the eye, the conjunctiva and the cornea. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue that we cannot see that covers the white part of your eye and the insides of your eyelids. The cornea is the dome-shaped opening or window in front of your eye. It allows how the light gets filtered in and out.

 

How is it caused?

Unfortunately, your eyes can get “sick” or a cold, the same way our bodies do. The same viruses that cause runny noses and sore throats are the same ones that make our eyes feel just as dreary too. A bacterial conjunctivitis infection will cause an abundance of sticky pus to form, and some bacterial infections can also come from the same strand that causes strep throat.

Or sometimes, you’ll be one of the lucky ones that suffer from seasonal or, even better, year-round allergies! In the summertime, chlorine from pools can trigger this allergy, particles from a lawnmower, grass, or pollen that settles into the ground, and many other toxic substances can cause your eyes to have an allergic reaction. Allergies can put a damper on our days or even weeks. If that’s why you’re experiencing any of these common eye issues, Contact Us today.

Symptoms to look out for:

  • Burning sensation
  • Red eyes
  • Itchy or Irritated eyes
  • Swollen Eyelids
  • Swollen Under Eye Skin
  • Watery Eyes
  • Sharp Pain or Stinging (typically will be caused by bacteria)
  • Feeling like something is stuck inside or rubbing up against your eye
  • Cloudy or blurry vision
  • Extra sensitivity to brighter areas or light
  • Pus, yellow discharge, or thick mucus coming from your eye. However, there can be too much pus coming out of your eye that it can make your eyelashes or eyelids seem stuck together

Shades of Pink

Or in this case…the various types of Pink Eye that we can contract. 

Allergic Conjunctivitis:

Not contagious, you’ll notice that it appears when you come into contact with something that your body has an allergy to. This could range from dog fur, other animal dander, certain kinds of grass, pollen, dust particles, trees, and more. Allergic conjunctivitis will make your eyes extremely itchy and red, your eye sockets and eyelids will become swollen, making your eyes appear more closed than average.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is highly contagious. Typical bacterial conjunctivitis cases won’t go away on their own, so it’s more than likely that you’ll need some antibiotics or topical solution to heal the situation. Many complain of sore pain or more of a throbbing feeling, with bright red colors and a lot of thick sticky pus.

Viral Conjunctivitis:

The most common type of pink eye is Viral Conjunctivitis because it is so quick to spread. Although viral Conjunctivitis can bounce around from person to person, you’ll find many cases in schools, sports teams, shopping malls, or events where the fluctuation of individuals passing is high.

How would one treat Conjunctivitis?

Consult your ophthalmologist before treating your conjunctivitis case on your own. Education is key, and if you take matters into your own hands without knowing what kind you are treating, you sometimes may make it worse.

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