Overview
Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane layer that covers parts of your eyes and the inside of your eyelids. This condition is extremely common, partly because it happens for so many different reasons. Many of those reasons are also common.
Pink eye can be acute (short-term), meaning it lasts under four weeks. Or it can be chronic (long-term), meaning it lasts more than four weeks. You can have it in one eye only or both at the same time.
How common is pink eye?
Between 15% and 40% of people experience allergic conjunctivitis because of seasonal allergies. Other types of conjunctivitis are more common in different age groups and/or at certain times of the year. It’s similar to how the common cold and flu are more common during winter months.
What does pink eye look like?
Just like the name sounds, pink eye can make the sclera of your eye look pink or reddish instead of white. It can also make your eyelids look puffy or droopy, and it’s common to have fluid (discharge) coming from your infected eye.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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