Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. It is a common eye condition that can affect people of all ages. Conjunctivitis may be caused by infections, allergies, or irritants and is usually mild, though some forms can be highly contagious.

Symptoms

Symptoms of conjunctivitis vary depending on the cause but often affect one or both eyes. Common symptoms include:

• Redness in the white part of the eye

• Itching, burning, or gritty sensation

• Excess tearing

• Discharge that may be watery, thick, or pus-like

• Crusting of the eyelids, especially after sleep

• Swollen eyelids

• Sensitivity to light

• Blurred vision due to discharge

Causes

Conjunctivitis can be caused by several factors. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common and often associated with respiratory infections. Bacterial conjunctivitis results from bacterial infection of the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eyes react to allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Irritant conjunctivitis may develop from exposure to smoke, chemicals, or foreign bodies.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the risk of developing conjunctivitis:

• Close contact with someone who has infectious conjunctivitis

• Poor hand hygiene

• Frequent touching or rubbing of the eyes

• Contact lens use, especially improper cleaning

• Exposure to allergens or irritants

• Upper respiratory tract infections

Complications

Conjunctivitis is usually mild, but complications can occur in some cases:

• Spread of infection to others

• Corneal inflammation affecting vision

• Chronic conjunctivitis if irritation persists

• Secondary bacterial infection

• Temporary vision disturbance due to discharge or swelling

Prevention

Preventive measures can reduce the risk of conjunctivitis and its spread:

• Washing hands frequently and avoiding touching the eyes

• Not sharing towels, pillows, eye makeup, or contact lenses

• Proper cleaning and replacement of contact lenses

• Avoiding known allergens and irritants

• Staying home from work or school during contagious stages as advised