Grow Youthful: How to Slow Your Aging and Enjoy Extraordinary Health
Grow Youthful: How to Slow Your Aging and Enjoy Extraordinary Health

Conjunctivitis (red eye or pink eye)

What is conjunctivitis?

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

Causes and remedies for conjunctivitis

Prevention / general treatment for conjunctivitis

References

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin transparent membrane covering the under-surface of the eyelid. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection or an allergic reaction. Bacteria and viral forms of conjunctivitis are highly contagious, being easily spread from person to person, but can also spread through contaminated objects or water.

Two of every three cases of conjunctivitis resolve in 2-5 days without treatment.

Conjunctivitis often occurs together with inflammation of the edges of the eyelids (blepharitis), the cornea (keratitis) or the sclera (white of the eye).

Conjunctivitis should not affect your vision (except for mucous discharge), and the pupils should react normally. Severe pain, or a strong reaction to bright light may indicate some other ailment that should be investigated.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

Causes and remedies for conjunctivitis

Prevention / general treatment for conjunctivitis

References

1. Shovlin JP, Abel R. Steroids, povidone iodine recommended for adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis. Primary Care Optometry News. 2001;6(6):22-23.

2. Melton R, Thomas RK. 2002 Clinical Guide to Ophthalmic Drugs. Supplement to Review of Optometry. 2002;139(6):40s