The conjunctiva refers to the thin tissue layer lining the inside of your eyelids. Although it’s transparent, it contains numerous blood vessels. When it becomes irritated, an inflammatory response may occur that includes blood vessel dilation, making it look like you have “pink” eye.
Guilford Eye Center, your trusted local eye care clinic, talks about this condition in detail.
What Causes Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis may either be allergic, viral or bacterial. The first one occurs when a certain substance comes in contact with your eyes. This may irritate your conjunctiva and trigger a hypersensitivity reaction from your immune system. Viral pink eye, on the other hand, is often caused by the same virus that causes common colds. Lastly, bacterial conjunctivitis happens when a microorganism infects the tissue layer under your eyelids.
How Does Pink Eye Affect Your Visual Health?
Your eye care center explains that pink eye, as its name suggests, causes your eyes to turn a pinkish or reddish hue. Your eyes may also become watery and itchy. Allergic conjunctivitis is usually accompanied by a runny nose. The viral form may produce clear discharges while the bacterial type may give you thick, yellow-green secretions.
What Are the Available Remedies?
Conjunctivitis treatment primarily depends on the type you have. If you have allergic pink eye, for example, we may prescribe antihistamine medications to control the hypersensitivity reactions. On the other hand, viral conjunctivitis is a self-limiting condition, which means it should go away on its own after a few days. We may still advise applying an ice pack to your eyes to reduce the redness and swelling.
We can prescribe antibiotics for those with bacterial pink eye. Take your medication on time, and complete the whole course. Keep in mind that viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious forms. Avoid sharing personal things with others to prevent the disease from spreading, and wash your hands frequently, especially when you’re putting on your contact lenses.
For more information about pink eye, call us at (336) 387-6777. You may also fill out our form to schedule an appointment. We see patients from High Point and nearby North Carolina communities.
