Pink Eye: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Tearing

Excessive tearing can occur as a result of pink eye, though not all cases of conjunctivitis will present with this. Excess tearing is most common in cases where the underlying cause is irritation or allergies. Conjunctivitis may occur when a chemical or foreign contaminant enters the eye, causing it to become irritated and red. Cleaning and flushing the eye can sometimes help with the irritation. When the conjunctivitis is caused by this, the eyes tend to have mucus discharge and excess watering, but the symptoms tend to abate within a day or so. Conjunctivitis due to allergies occurs when the immune system produces antibodies in response to an allergen. The antibody causes the cells in the mucous linings of the eyes and airways to release histamines, which are inflammatory substances meant to fight off invading pathogens. Many of the symptoms are similar to those found in the common cold. Affected eyes may become pink or red, and patients might experience tearing and general irritation around the eyes.

Keep reading to learn all the different ways that pink eye can be prevented.