What is Conjunctivitis? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is an eye infection that is common in adults and children alike. It can be caused by one or more of several different factors, including viruses, bacteria, irritants, and allergens. The coronavirus that causes Covid-19 can also cause Conjunctivitis. The specific cause of the infection determines its treatment path, which can include comfort care, pills, ointments, and eye drops.

What is Conjunctivitis?

Pink eye is a condition that inflames or reddens the conjunctiva, which is the tissue that lines the outer coating of your eye and the inner surface of your eyelid. The primary function of the conjunctiva is to keep the eyeball as well as the eyelid moist. Conjunctivitis can occur in both eyes simultaneously or in a single eye at a time. The former of the two is usually due to a virus.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

When the conjunctiva gets inflamed, the eye tends to get reddish, making it more visible. The most common cause of Conjunctivitis is different viruses, including the common cold. Pink eye can also be caused by bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus. Another cause of pink eye is certain irritating substances. These can be pool chlorine, smoke, debris, cosmetics, or shampoos, etc.

Allergens, such as pollen or molds and a foreign object in the eye, are also common causes of Conjunctivitis. The infection can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections or a blocked tear duct. 

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

There are several symptoms of Conjunctivitis. They include:

l Swollen lids of the eye

l Higher-than-usual sensitivity to light

l Blurred vision

l Itchiness in the eyes (it is more common in Conjunctivitis caused by allergens)

l Tears coming out of the eye

l Redness or pinkness on the inside of the eyelid or in the white of the eye

l Thick discharge that is yellow in color and tends to crust over the lashes (it is more common when a pink eye is caused by bacteria)

l Gritty feeling in the eye

l White or green liquid discharge from the eye

l Burning of the eye (it is more common when Conjunctivitis is caused by irritants or chemicals)

Treatment of Conjunctivitis

The treatment of Conjunctivitis depends on what caused it in the first place. If it is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are usually the most effective remedy for the infection. If it is a virus that has caused it, all you can do is care for your eye to relieve symptoms and let the infection run its course. Antihistamines are the go-to treatment of Conjunctivitis that is caused by allergens.

If the case of Conjunctivitis is mild, it is likely that your doctor will not prescribe any treatment for it. The usual eye and vision care practices and good hygiene not only relieve the symptoms of Conjunctivitis but prevent its spread as well. However, the infection is not to be taken lightly as some pink eye cases can permanently damage your vision if left untreated. Remember to consult a physician or an eye specialist as soon as you observe any of the symptoms of Conjunctivitis.