BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuConjunctivitis or pink eyeInflammation - conjunctiva; Pink eye; Chemical conjunctivitis, Pinkeye; Pink-eye; Allergic conjunctivitisThe conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes swollen or inflamed.ConjunctivaThe conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball (the sclera). It contains ma...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article This swelling can be due to an infection, an irritant, dry eyes, or an allergy.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Tears most often protect the eyes by washing away germs and irritants. Tears contain proteins and antibodies that kill germs. If your eyes are dry, germs and irritants are more likely to cause problems.AntibodiesAn antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Conjunctivitis is most often caused by germs such as viruses and bacteria."Pink eye" most often refers to a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily among children. Conjunctivitis can be found in people with COVID-19 before they have other typical symptoms. In newborns, an eye infection may be caused by bacteria in the birth canal. This must be treated at once to preserve eyesight. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed due to a reaction to pollen, dander, mold, or other allergy-causing substances.Allergic conjunctivitisThe conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A type of long-term allergic conjunctivitis may occur in people who have chronic allergies or asthma. This condition is called vernal conjunctivitis. It most commonly occurs in young men and boys in the spring and summer months. A similar condition can occur in long-time contact lens wearers. It may make it difficult to continue to wear contact lenses.Vernal conjunctivitisVernal conjunctivitis is long-term (chronic) swelling (inflammation) of the outer lining of the eyes. It is due to an allergic reaction.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anything which irritates the eye may also cause conjunctivitis. These include:Chemicals. Smoke. Dust. Over-use of contact lenses (often extended-wear lenses) can lead to conjunctivitis. Symptoms Symptoms include:Blurred vision Blurred visionThere are many types of eye problems and vision disturbances, such as: Halos Blurred vision (the loss of sharpness of vision and the inability to see...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crusts that form on the eyelid overnight (most often caused by bacteria) Eye pain Eye painPain in the eye may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also feel like you have a forei...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gritty feeling in the eyes Gritty feeling in the eyesEye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Increased tearing Itching of the eye Itching of the eyeEye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Redness in the eyes Redness in the eyesEye redness is most often due to swollen or dilated blood vessels. This makes the surface of the eye look red or bloodshot.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sensitivity to lightSensitivity to lightPhotophobia is eye discomfort in bright light.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Your health care provider will:Examine your eyes Swab the conjunctiva to get a sample for analysisThere are tests that can sometimes be done in the office to look for a specific type of virus as the cause. Treatment Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause. Allergic conjunctivitis may improve when allergies are treated. It may go away on its own when you avoid your allergy triggers. Cool compresses may help soothe allergic conjunctivitis. Eye drops that contain antihistamines for the eye or drops containing steroids, may be necessary in more severe cases.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersAntibiotic medicines work well to treat conjunctivitis caused by bacteria. These are most often given in the form of eye drops. Most cases of viral conjunctivitis will go away on its own without antibiotic eye drops. Mild steroid eye drops may help ease discomfort.If your eyes are dry, if may help to use artificial tears in conjunction with any other drops you may be using. Be sure to allow about 10 minutes in between using different types of eye drops. Crustiness of the eyelids can be helped by applying warm compresses. Gently press clean cloth soaked in warm water to your closed eyes.Other helpful steps include:Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke, direct wind, and air conditioning. Use a humidifier, especially in the winter. Limit medicines that may dry you out and worsen your symptoms. Clean eyelashes regularly and apply warm compresses. Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome for bacterial infections is most often good with early antibiotic treatment. Pinkeye (viral conjunctivitis) can easily spread through entire households or classrooms, but a full recovery is expected. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:Your symptoms last longer than 3 or 4 days. Your vision is affected. You have light sensitivity. You develop eye pain that is severe or becoming worse. Your eyelids or the skin around your eyes becomes swollen or red. You have a headache in addition to your other symptom. Prevention Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis. Things you can do include:Change pillowcases daily. Do not share eye makeup and replace it regularly. Do not share towels or handkerchiefs. Handle and clean contact lenses properly. Keep hands away from the eye. Wash your hands often.Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention website. Conjunctivitis (pink eye). How to prevent pink eye. www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/prevention/index.html. Updated April 15, 2024. Accessed August 16, 2024.Dupre AA, Vojta LR. Red and painful eye. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 18.Khavandi S, Tabibzadeh E, Naderan M, Shoar S. Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) presenting as conjunctivitis: atypically high-risk during a pandemic. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2020;43(3):211-212. PMID: 32354654 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32354654/.Kumar NM, Barnes SD, Pavan-Langston D, Azar DT. Microbial conjunctivitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 112.Rubenstein JB, Kelly E. Infectious conjunctivitis.. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.6.AllVideoImagesTogEye - illustration The eye is the organ of sight, a nearly spherical hollow globe filled with fluids (humors). The outer layer (sclera, or white of the eye, and cornea) is fibrous and protective. The middle layer (choroid, ciliary body and the iris) is vascular. The innermost layer (retina) is sensory nerve tissue that is light sensitive. The fluids in the eye are divided by the lens into the vitreous humor (behind the lens) and the aqueous humor (in front of the lens). The lens itself is flexible and suspended by ligaments which allow it to change shape to focus light on the retina, which is composed of sensory neurons.EyeillustrationEye - illustration The eye is the organ of sight, a nearly spherical hollow globe filled with fluids (humors). The outer layer (sclera, or white of the eye, and cornea) is fibrous and protective. The middle layer (choroid, ciliary body and the iris) is vascular. The innermost layer (retina) is sensory nerve tissue that is light sensitive. The fluids in the eye are divided by the lens into the vitreous humor (behind the lens) and the aqueous humor (in front of the lens). The lens itself is flexible and suspended by ligaments which allow it to change shape to focus light on the retina, which is composed of sensory neurons.EyeillustrationRelated Information Conjunctiva(Special Topic)Antibody(Special Topic)Allergic conjunctivitis(Condition)Systemic(Special Topic)Dry eye syndrome(Condition)Vernal conjunctivitis(Condition)Trachoma(Condition) Review Date: 7/9/2024 Reviewed By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Conjunctivitis or pink eyeInflammation - conjunctiva; Pink eye; Chemical conjunctivitis, Pinkeye; Pink-eye; Allergic conjunctivitisThe conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes swollen or inflamed.ConjunctivaThe conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball (the sclera). It contains ma...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article This swelling can be due to an infection, an irritant, dry eyes, or an allergy.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsers Causes Tears most often protect the eyes by washing away germs and irritants. Tears contain proteins and antibodies that kill germs. If your eyes are dry, germs and irritants are more likely to cause problems.AntibodiesAn antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Conjunctivitis is most often caused by germs such as viruses and bacteria."Pink eye" most often refers to a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily among children. Conjunctivitis can be found in people with COVID-19 before they have other typical symptoms. In newborns, an eye infection may be caused by bacteria in the birth canal. This must be treated at once to preserve eyesight. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed due to a reaction to pollen, dander, mold, or other allergy-causing substances.Allergic conjunctivitisThe conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A type of long-term allergic conjunctivitis may occur in people who have chronic allergies or asthma. This condition is called vernal conjunctivitis. It most commonly occurs in young men and boys in the spring and summer months. A similar condition can occur in long-time contact lens wearers. It may make it difficult to continue to wear contact lenses.Vernal conjunctivitisVernal conjunctivitis is long-term (chronic) swelling (inflammation) of the outer lining of the eyes. It is due to an allergic reaction.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Anything which irritates the eye may also cause conjunctivitis. These include:Chemicals. Smoke. Dust. Over-use of contact lenses (often extended-wear lenses) can lead to conjunctivitis. Symptoms Symptoms include:Blurred vision Blurred visionThere are many types of eye problems and vision disturbances, such as: Halos Blurred vision (the loss of sharpness of vision and the inability to see...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crusts that form on the eyelid overnight (most often caused by bacteria) Eye pain Eye painPain in the eye may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also feel like you have a forei...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gritty feeling in the eyes Gritty feeling in the eyesEye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Increased tearing Itching of the eye Itching of the eyeEye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Redness in the eyes Redness in the eyesEye redness is most often due to swollen or dilated blood vessels. This makes the surface of the eye look red or bloodshot.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sensitivity to lightSensitivity to lightPhotophobia is eye discomfort in bright light.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Your health care provider will:Examine your eyes Swab the conjunctiva to get a sample for analysisThere are tests that can sometimes be done in the office to look for a specific type of virus as the cause. Treatment Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause. Allergic conjunctivitis may improve when allergies are treated. It may go away on its own when you avoid your allergy triggers. Cool compresses may help soothe allergic conjunctivitis. Eye drops that contain antihistamines for the eye or drops containing steroids, may be necessary in more severe cases.Related video goes here for no-HTML5 browsersAntibiotic medicines work well to treat conjunctivitis caused by bacteria. These are most often given in the form of eye drops. Most cases of viral conjunctivitis will go away on its own without antibiotic eye drops. Mild steroid eye drops may help ease discomfort.If your eyes are dry, if may help to use artificial tears in conjunction with any other drops you may be using. Be sure to allow about 10 minutes in between using different types of eye drops. Crustiness of the eyelids can be helped by applying warm compresses. Gently press clean cloth soaked in warm water to your closed eyes.Other helpful steps include:Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke, direct wind, and air conditioning. Use a humidifier, especially in the winter. Limit medicines that may dry you out and worsen your symptoms. Clean eyelashes regularly and apply warm compresses. Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome for bacterial infections is most often good with early antibiotic treatment. Pinkeye (viral conjunctivitis) can easily spread through entire households or classrooms, but a full recovery is expected. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:Your symptoms last longer than 3 or 4 days. Your vision is affected. You have light sensitivity. You develop eye pain that is severe or becoming worse. Your eyelids or the skin around your eyes becomes swollen or red. You have a headache in addition to your other symptom. Prevention Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis. Things you can do include:Change pillowcases daily. Do not share eye makeup and replace it regularly. Do not share towels or handkerchiefs. Handle and clean contact lenses properly. Keep hands away from the eye. Wash your hands often.Open ReferencesReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention website. Conjunctivitis (pink eye). How to prevent pink eye. www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/prevention/index.html. Updated April 15, 2024. Accessed August 16, 2024.Dupre AA, Vojta LR. Red and painful eye. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 18.Khavandi S, Tabibzadeh E, Naderan M, Shoar S. Corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) presenting as conjunctivitis: atypically high-risk during a pandemic. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2020;43(3):211-212. PMID: 32354654 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32354654/.Kumar NM, Barnes SD, Pavan-Langston D, Azar DT. Microbial conjunctivitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 112.Rubenstein JB, Kelly E. Infectious conjunctivitis.. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.6.
