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Etiology - Conjunctivitis is caused by inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva (clear mucous membrane that lines front of eye). This inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva can stem from either viral, bacterial, irritant, or allergen sources.
Symptoms - Redness/swelling, discharge from eye, itching/burning sensation, increased tearing, and overall eye discomfort.
Details - Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as "pink eye," comes in many different forms. Viral conjunctivitis is triggered by adenoviruses and is highly contagious, whereas bacterial conjunctivitis is less contagious but still transmittable through direct contact. And allergic (often seasonal) or irritant conjunctivitis isn't contagious and is triggered by sources like pollen, mold, smoke, or chemicals.
Treatment - Approaches vary based on conjunctivitis type. For viral conjunctivitis, time (1-2 weeks), strict hand hygiene (to avoid spread), and simple treatments that reduce irritation (cool compresses) are recommended. For bacterial conjunctivitis, strict hand hygiene and antibiotics are usually optimal for recovery. For allergic conjunctivitis, it's best to just avoid allergens when possible and rely on antihistamines. And lastly, for irritant conjunctivitis, it's recommended to rinse eyes immediately after chemical exposure and use artificial tears to soothe the eyes.
Photo representation of a healthy eye vs eye infected with viral, bacterial, or allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Photo Creds: Azar Eye Clinic
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