What Causes Pink Eye

If you have children, it is essential to know what causes pink eye. Most cases of pink eye are found in children and their mothers because pink eye strikes anyone at any age. Conjunctivitis, commonly know as pink eye, is extremely common and very contagious. Pink eye is a viral or bacterial infection of the conjunctiva, a membrane which covers the front of the eye. Pink eye gets its name because it makes the conjunctiva look pinky red and inflamed.

Viral pink eye. Viral pink eye is usually caused by adenoviruses. Viral pink eye symptoms are watery discharge that is not yellow or green. Their may be cold like sinus congestion, runny nose, and swollen eyelids. With viral pink eye it may be painful to look at bright lights. Viral pink eye is highly contagious. Encourage a lot of hand washing if pink eye is in your home.

Bacterial pink eye. A bacterial pink eye can be caused by bacteria like Staphylococci and Streptococci or several others types of bacteria. The symptoms of bacterial pink eye include eye pain, redness, swelling, and yellow or greenish discharge in moderate to heavy amounts. This is the type of discharge that accumulates during the night and causes the eye to be stuck shut in the morning.

Treatment for pink eye. For bacterial pink eye, where the eye is stuck shut in the morning, wipe it gently with a clean warm wash cloth until the eye can be opened. A case of bacterial pink eye will require a visit to the doctor for prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointment. If runny nose, cough, or earache accompanies the pink eye the doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic because all the symptoms may be caused by the same bacteria.

Pink eye and the doctor. Eye infections can turn serious making it essential to see a doctor regardless of which kind of pink eye you believe you are dealing with. Only the doctor will be able to correctly diagnose the pink eye as being viral or bacterial and prescribe the proper treatment. As soon as the symptoms appear get to the doctor to keep the infection from worsening.