Most people have experienced pink eye at some point, particularly during childhood, yet not everyone is aware of what it is. The official term for it is conjunctivitis, as it is an inflammation of the part of the eye called the conjunctiva. Though this condition does not result in vision loss, it can be uncomfortable and highly contagious, depending on the form.
Types of Pink Eye
There are two main forms of pink eye, which is important to know since they are quite different from each other. Viral pink eye is the most common type, and it is caused by a virus that results in watery discharge coming from the eye. You may notice symptoms similar to a cold, such as a runny nose, as well as swollen eyelids. This type of pink eye is considered very contagious, and usually lasts up to two weeks.
Bacterial pink eye is typically caused by Streptococci and Staphylococci, which means that it can be treated by antibiotics, unlike viral pink eye. The symptoms include swelling and pain in the eyes, yellow or green discharge that seems to show up overnight, and the appearance of red eyes. The discharge commonly makes the eyelids stick shut, which requires that warm washcloths be placed over the eyes.
There are other forms of pink eye, but they are quite uncommon compared to these two major types. For example, chlamydia, allergies, and chemicals can all cause the eyes to become pink or red, though each tends to have a few different symptoms. No matter the type of pink eye suspected, you should go to your doctor if you notice that your eyes are suddenly pink. This is because your doctor needs to check to make sure there is no underlying condition that has caused it, and that the condition you have does not get worse or spread to the rest of the body, or even to other people.