Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Types, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

anushka

5 June 2025

Eye Health

Introduction

Conjunctivitis, commonly called “pink eye,” is one of the most frequent eye problems seen in clinics. It causes redness, watering, irritation, and discharge from the eyes. While it’s usually not serious, conjunctivitis can be uncomfortable, highly contagious, and occasionally lead to complications if untreated. This blog explains the types, causes, symptoms, and both conservative and medical treatments for conjunctivitis, with a focus on proper care—especially for viral conjunctivitis.

What Is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent layer covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It causes the eye to appear pink or red, which is why it’s popularly known as “pink eye.”

Types of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is broadly classified into four types:

1. Viral Conjunctivitis

Cause: Most often caused by adenoviruses; can also be due to herpes simplex or varicella-zoster virus.
Transmission: Highly contagious via direct contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms:
- Watery discharge
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Gritty feeling or burning
- Swollen eyelids
- Often associated with cold, sore throat, or fever
Special Cases: Herpetic conjunctivitis may cause blisters or corneal involvement.

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Cause: Caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae.
Transmission: Spreads through direct contact or contaminated hands and surfaces.
Symptoms:
- Thick yellow or green discharge
- Eyelids stuck together, especially in the morning
- Mild discomfort or pain
- Redness

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis

Cause: Allergic reactions to pollen, pet dander, dust, cosmetics, or other allergens.
Transmission: Not contagious.
Symptoms:
- Intense itching
- Tearing
- Puffy, swollen eyelids
- Often seasonal and affects both eyes

4. Chemical or Irritant Conjunctivitis

Cause: Exposure to irritants like chlorine (swimming pools), smoke, fumes, or chemical splashes.
Symptoms:
- Immediate redness and tearing.
- Burning or stinging sensation.
- Eye pain or discomfort.

Treatment of Conjunctivitis

Proper treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis. Even though viral conjunctivitis is self-limiting, symptomatic and supportive care is essential to reduce discomfort, prevent complications, and avoid transmission.

Conservative/Home-Based Treatment

Helpful for all types, especially mild viral and allergic cases:

1. Hygiene Practices

Wash hands regularly.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
Use clean tissues to wipe discharge.
Don’t share towels, cosmetics, or pillowcases.

2. Cold or Warm Compress

Cold compress: For itching, swelling (allergic or viral).
Warm compress: For bacterial cases to loosen dried secretions.

3. Artificial Tears / Lubricant Eye Drops

Soothe irritation and wash away particles or allergens.
Recommended 4–6 times a day.

4. Avoid Contact Lenses

Stop lens wear until complete recovery to avoid corneal complications.

Medical Treatment Plan

1. Viral Conjunctivitis

Even though antibiotics don’t work against viruses, treatment is necessary for comfort and healing:

Supportive care:
- Lubricant drops
- Cold compresses
- Antihistamine drops (if itching is severe)
Topical steroids (only under ophthalmologist supervision) if there’s corneal inflammation (epithelial keratitis or subepithelial infiltrates).
Antiviral medication (like acyclovir) in herpetic cases.
Povidone-iodine eye drops (0.6–1%): Increasingly used to reduce viral load and hasten recovery (under prescription).

Note: Most viral conjunctivitis cases resolve in 7–14 days, but symptoms can worsen before improving. Never self-medicate with steroid drops.

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments:
- Moxifloxacin 0.5%
- Tobramycin 0.3%
- Ciprofloxacin (especially in contact lens users)
Dosage: 4–6 times daily for 5–7 days.
Most cases improve within 3 days.

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis

Antihistamine drops: Olopatadine, Ketotifen
Mast cell stabilizers: Cromolyn sodium
Oral antihistamines: For severe allergic symptoms
Steroid drops: For refractory cases under specialist care
Avoid allergens and use sunglasses to block pollen

4. Chemical Conjunctivitis

Immediate eye irrigation with saline or clean water
Use lubricating drops and preservative-free artificial tears
Severe cases may require topical corticosteroids

When to See a Doctor

See an ophthalmologist if you experience:

Vision disturbances or blurring
Eye pain or light sensitivity
Thick or worsening discharge
Symptoms lasting more than 7–10 days
A history of recurrent eye infections
Herpes history or vesicles around the eyes

Prevention Tips

Maintain proper hand hygiene.
Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
Disinfect surfaces and electronic devices.
Do not reuse contaminated eye makeup or contact lenses.
Keep children with conjunctivitis at home to prevent outbreaks in schools.

Frequently Asked Questions About Conjunctivitis

Q1. Is conjunctivitis contagious?

Yes, viral and bacterial types are contagious. Allergic and chemical types are not.

Q2. How do I know if it’s viral or bacterial?

Viral: Watery discharge, often with cold or sore throat
Bacterial: Thick, sticky yellow/green discharge and eyelids stuck together

Q3. How long does conjunctivitis last?

Viral: 7–14 days
Bacterial: 3–5 days with treatment
Allergic: As long as the allergen is present
Chemical: Resolves once irritant is removed

Q4. Can viral conjunctivitis damage my eyes?

Usually not, but severe cases can involve the cornea (keratitis), leading to blurred vision. Prompt treatment helps prevent complications.

Q5. Should I use antibiotics just in case?

No. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and may cause resistance. Use them only if prescribed for bacterial infections.

Q6. Can I go to work or school with conjunctivitis?

It’s best to stay home if your conjunctivitis is viral or bacterial, as they are contagious. You can return once symptoms improve or after 48 hours of starting antibiotics.

Q7. Can I treat conjunctivitis at home?

Mild viral or allergic cases can be managed at home with lubricants and hygiene. However, it’s best to consult an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Conjunctivitis is a manageable condition, but knowing its type is key to proper treatment. While viral conjunctivitis often resolves on its own, symptomatic treatment is essential to ease discomfort and reduce transmission. Bacterial cases require antibiotics, and allergic cases benefit from antihistamines and allergen avoidance. Maintaining hygiene and seeking timely care can help prevent complications and ensure a quicker recovery.

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Allergic conjunctivitis,Bacterial conjunctivitis,Conjunctivitis,eye care,Eye Health,Eye infections,Pink eye,Red eye,Viral conjunctivitis