Pink eye how does it start

Pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva , the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. The condition can be either infectious it can spread to other people or noninfectious. When people talk about pinkeye, they usually mean the infectious kind. It's often caused by the same bacteria and viruses responsible for colds and other infections, including ear infections , sinus infections , and sore throats.

It's also possible for the same types of bacteria that cause the sexually transmitted diseases STDs chlamydia and gonorrhea to cause conjunctivitis. If someone touches an infected person's genitals and then rubs his or her own eye or touches a contact lens, the infection can spread to the eye. The very pink or red coloring that gives the infection its nickname is a telltale sign of pinkeye. It's also usual to have discomfort in the eye, which may feel itchy or gritty.

Often, there's some discharge from the eye, and pain and swelling of the conjunctiva. Pinkeye can affect one or both eyes. It can be hard to tell whether the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria.

In general, the discharge associated with viral conjunctivitis is watery, whereas it will be thicker and more pus-like when the infection is caused by bacteria. When you wake up in the morning, your eyelids may be stuck together don't be alarmed, though — cleaning your eyes with a warm washcloth will loosen the dried crusts. Yes, if it's caused by bacteria or a virus.

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Can ocular chlamydia be spread through sex? They are spread through direct or indirect contact with the liquid that drains from the eye of someone who's infected. One or both eyes may be affected. Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and is a response to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen.

In response to allergens, your body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E IgE. This antibody triggers special cells called mast cells in the mucous lining of your eyes and airways to release inflammatory substances, including histamines. Your body's release of histamine can produce a number of allergy signs and symptoms, including red or pink eyes.

If you have allergic conjunctivitis, you may experience intense itching, tearing and inflammation of the eyes — as well as sneezing and watery nasal discharge. Most allergic conjunctivitis can be controlled with allergy eyedrops. Irritation from a chemical splash or foreign object in your eye is also associated with conjunctivitis. Sometimes flushing and cleaning the eye to rid it of the chemical or object causes redness and irritation.

Signs and symptoms, which may include watery eyes and a mucous discharge, usually clear up on their own within about a day. If initial flushing doesn't resolve the symptoms, or if the chemical is a caustic one such as lye, you need to be seen by your doctor or eye specialist as soon as possible. A chemical splash into the eye can cause permanent eye damage.

Persistent symptoms could also indicate that you still have the foreign body in your eye — or possibly a scratch over the cornea or the covering of the eyeball sclera.

In both children and adults, pink eye can cause inflammation in the cornea that can affect vision. Prompt evaluation and treatment by your doctor for eye pain, a feeling that something is stuck in your eye foreign body sensation , blurred vision or light sensitivity can reduce the risk of complications.

Keep in mind that pink eye is no more contagious than the common cold. It's okay to return to work, school or child care if you're not able to take time off — just stay consistent in practicing good hygiene. Tell your child's teacher about the pink eye infection so extra steps can be taken to sanitize the classroom or daycare center. Also, keep your child home until the contagious stage has passed. Your eye doctor will let you know when you or your child is no longer considered contagious.

A child can usually go back to school or daycare about a week after the conjunctivitis diagnosis. A: Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, are contagious. If antibiotics are being taken for bacterial conjunctivitis, you should no longer be contagious after 24 hours of antibiotic use. Otherwise, viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can remain contagious as long as symptoms are present.

Allergen or irritant conjunctivitis is not contagious. Your doctor will diagnose the specific cause of your pink eye to determine the most effective treatment. A: How long pink eye lasts depends on the cause or type of conjunctivitis you have.

For example, most cases of viral conjunctivitis will run their course over the span of two weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis can begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours after antibiotics are started. Some types of conjunctivitis can be very serious if not treated. The symptoms of conjunctivitis can also look nearly identical to symptoms of other eye conditions. A red or pink eye can sometimes be a sign of a serious eye problem.

For an accurate diagnosis, see your eye doctor if you or your child develops a red, irritated eye or other symptoms of an eye infection.

Allergic conjunctivitis. Can you naturally cure pink eye? Treating pink eye at home. Avoid swimming with pink eye. Treating pink eye in babies. Conjunctivitis pink eye. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

January What is conjunctivitis? Accessed April Pink eye conjunctivitis.