CONJUNCTIVITIS (PINK EYES)

Inflammation (redness) of the conjunctiva, the transparent tissue that lines the inner surface of your eyelid and the outer layer of your eye, results in pink eye. Your eyelid and eyeball are kept moist with the aid of this tissue. Viruses, bacteria, allergies, and other factors can all cause pink eye.  Pink eye is referred to in medicine as conjunctivitis. Pink eye can affect one or both eyes. 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PINK EYES AND STYE

Some symptoms, such as redness, sensitivity to light, and crusting along your eyelids, are similar to those of pink eye and styes. However, the two ailments are distinct and have unique causes. 

A stye is a red, uncomfortable bump that develops on the inside of your eyelid close to the edge of your lashes. A pink eye is an inflammation of the lining of your eyelid’s inner surface and its outer layer. The eyelid or the area around the eye are not bumped by pink eye.

An infection in the oil glands on your eyelid is what causes styes. In contrast to what causes styes, pink eye is brought on by viruses, bacteria, allergies, and other factors.

SYMPTOMS OF PINK EYES

Symptoms of pink eyes include:

• Redness in the white of your eye or inner eyelid.
• Increased tearing.
• Thick yellow discharge that crusts over your eyelashes, especially after sleep.
• Green or white discharge from your eye.
• Gritty feeling in one or both eyes.
• Itchy eyes (especially in pink eye caused by allergies).
• Burning eyes (especially in pink eye caused by chemicals and irritants).
• Blurred vision.
• Increased sensitivity to light.
• Swollen eyelids.

CAUSES OF PINK EYES

The conjunctiva, the membrane that covers your eye, becomes irritated, which makes the blood vessels in it more visible, giving pink eye its pink or reddish hue. An inflammation’s causes include:

• Viruses: The most frequent cause of pink eye is a virus. One group of viruses that can cause pink eye is the coronavirus, which includes the common cold and COVID-19.
• Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenza, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are common bacteria that cause bacterial conjunctivitis.
• Moulds, pollen, and other things that cause allergies are considered allergens.
• Shampoos, cosmetics, contact lenses, grime, smoking, and pool chlorine are examples of irritants.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): STIs can be brought on by bacteria (gonorrhoea or chlamydia) or viruses (herpes simplex or chlamydia). Pink eye can be brought on by STIs in both adults and babies.
• Something alien in your eye.
• Infants with partially or completely closed tear ducts.
• Autoimmune diseases: Pink eye can occasionally be brought on by illnesses that cause your own immune system to overreact.

IS PINK EYES CONTAGIOUS?

Pink eye caused by germs or viruses is extremely contagious and spreads quickly from person to person. This is because pink eye can spread before you even realise you have it. Additionally, more often than we realize, we all touch our faces and eyes. Allergy-related pink eye is not communicable.

PREVENTION OF PINK EYES INFECTION

• Don’t touch or rub the infected eye’s.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Wash any discharges from your eyes twice a day using a fresh cotton ball. Throw away the cotton ball and wash your hands with soap and warm water afterward.
• Wash your hands after applying eye drops or ointment  to your eyes or someone else’s eyes.
• Don’t share personal items such as makeup, contact lens, towels or cups.