Pink eye is called conjunctivitis in the medical world. Pink eye is an infection of the membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the white part of the eyeball and lines the eyelid. The small blood vessels in the membrane become inflamed, causing the whites of the eyes to look pink or reddish. Continue reading to learn about pink eye’s causes, symptoms, and ways to stop its spread.

Personal Story

I was recently babysitting for a women’s Bible study. I was watching several children and I noticed one of the little girls had a red eye that was tearing up. Having raised five children, I recognized the symptoms of pink eye and contacted the mother immediately. I kept the little girl busy in a secluded area of the playroom so the other children wouldn’t play with the toys she had played with and hoped the other children wouldn’t get it.

Pink Eye Is Very Contagious

Pink eye can be contagious, so early identification and body support can help to limit its spread.

Causes of Pink Eye

Pink eye is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or a newborn baby’s incompletely opened tear duct. Here is a list of common causes:

• allergies
• bacteria
• viruses
• chemical splashing into the eye
• object in the eye
• a blocked tear duct in newborn infants

The most common cases of viral pink eye are:

• adeno virus
• herpes simplex virus
• varicella-zoster virus
• coronavirus 2019

Colds and symptoms of a respiratory system symptoms such as a sore throat can occur alongside viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, which are very contagious, more than the common cold.

Conjunctivitis is usually viral, so antibiotics won’t help. It takes time for the virus to run its course. It may take four to seven days, or up to two weeks. Viral discharge is a clear, watery drainage. Within a few days conjunctivitis moves from one eye to both eyes and the symptoms will gradually clear on their own. Immune support may be needed.

Bacterial pink eye is very contagious. It is marked by a greenish yellow drainage. It starts in one eye and moves to the other. Bacterial pink eye is usually treated with antibiotic drops, but some people who want to avoid antibiotics use natural approaches first. Bacterial pink eye is difficult to discern from viral pink eye.

Allergic pink eye is different from viral or bacterial pink eye. It is caused by seasonal pollens, cosmetics, perfumes, chemicals, or animal dander. It is not contagious. Usually there is a clear watery, drainage and it usually involves both eyes.

Symptoms of Pink Eye

Common symptoms of pink eye include:

• a discharge in one or both eyes that crusts during the night and may prevent the eye(s) from opening in the morning
• redness in one or both eyes
• itchiness in one or both eyes
• tearing of the eye
• gritty feeling in one or both eyes.

Pink eye doesn’t usually affect a person’s vision.

Stopping Pink Eye’s Spread

To keep from spreading pink eye, you might try the following:

• don’t touch your eyes with your hands
• use a clean towel and washcloth every day
• don’t share towels or washcloths
• wash your hands often
• change your pillowcase every day
• don’t share cosmetics or personal care items
• throw away mascara when you have pink eye

Because conjunctivitis can be spread through direct or indirect contact with liquid that drains from the eye, one must be very careful not to spread it from eye to eye or from person to person.

Action

If you would like some specific ideas to try for relief, please reach out to me.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Have you ever had pink eye? What did you do to get relief?