What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye or red eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. It is a common eye condition among children and adults that is often caused by allergens, bacteria and viruses, according to the CDC.

Other causes include chemicals, fungi, contact lens wear, and smoke or dust that may get into the eye. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include itchy eyes, redness in the eye, burning eyes, blurred vision or discharge from the eye.

Viral conjunctivitis may accompany an upper respiratory tract infection or sore throat. This type of eye condition is easily spread from person to person and has the possibility of becoming an epidemic. Although viral conjunctivitis is most often mild and goes away without treatment within 1 to 2 weeks, it may last 2 or more weeks if complications develop.

As the leading cause of absenteeism among children in school or day care, bacterial conjunctivitis is often treated with topical antibiotics. Cases of this type of conjunctivitis are also mild and may last between 2 and 3 days or as long as 2 to 3 weeks, according to the CDC.

Allergic conjunctivitis is the result of the body’s reaction to pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, contact lenses and cosmetics. Those who experience other types of allergies such as asthma, eczema or hay fever are more likely to experience this type of conjunctivitis. Unlike viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis normally occurs in both eyes and may develop seasonally or year-round. Exposure to certain cosmetics and drugs may cause allergic conjunctivitis, which is easily cleared once the irritant is removed or after undergoing treatment with allergy medications, according to the CDC.

There are treatments available to ease the discomfort of conjunctivitis. It is important to note that early diagnosis and treatment help to limit the spread of conjunctivitis.

Additional information may be found at these websites:

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/cole-eye/diseases-conditions/hic-conjunctivitis

http://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/basics/definition/con-20022732