How To Prevent Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, develops when the conjunctiva (a clear membrane that lines the eyelids and the white parts of the eyes) becomes infected or inflamed. The condition can be caused by both viral and bacterial infections, and it may also occur in infants who have a tear duct that has not completely opened. Symptoms of pink eye include redness, itching, and a gritty feeling in one or both eyes, and patients may experience tearing and a discharge from the eye. Most episodes of pink eye are caused by viruses, and both the bacterial and viral forms of this condition are contagious. Doctors are normally able to diagnose conjunctivitis by taking a health history and asking the patient questions about their symptoms. Sometimes, the patient may need to have an office visit so the doctor can examine the eyes, and taking a sample of any discharge from the eye can be helpful in confirming the diagnosis. Treatment for viral conjunctivitis consists of symptom management, and the illness may persist for up to three weeks. Antibiotic eye drops may be used in cases of bacterial conjunctivitis.