Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye & Ocular Surface Infections)
Inflammation of the transparent membrane covering the sclera and inner eyelids, encompassing viral, bacterial, and toxic etiologies.
Article Table of Contents
1. Comprehensive Overview
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) is inflammation or infection of the transparent conjunctival membrane lining the eyelid and scleral surface.
Etiological Types: 1. Viral Conjunctivitis: Most commonly caused by Adenovirus (Pharyngoconjunctival fever or Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis - EKC). Highly contagious via contact; presents with watery discharge, follicular reaction, and preauricular lymphadenopathy. 2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Caused by Staph aureus, Strep pneumoniae, or Haemophilus. Characterized by copious mucopurulent discharge and matting of the eyelashes upon awakening. 3. Hyperacute & Neonatal Conjunctivitis (Ophthalmia Neonatorum): Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis in neonates; a sight-threatening emergency requiring rapid systemic antibiotic therapy to prevent corneal perforation. 4. Allergic Conjunctivitis: IgE-mediated response characterized by predominant itching, chemosis, and stringy mucoid discharge.
2. Symptoms & Warning Signs
If you observe any of the following symptoms repeatedly, an eye exam is strongly recommended:
- Hyperemia and pink/red injection of the bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva
- Copious mucopurulent yellow-green discharge (bacterial) or watery serous discharge (viral)
- Crusting and matting of eyelids and lashes, making morning eye opening difficult
- Ocular itching, grittiness, foreign body sensation, and burning
- Palpebral and conjunctival edema (chemosis) with excessive tearing
- Mild photophobia with preserved baseline visual acuity
3. Causes & Risk Factors
- 1Viral infection (Adenovirus, Enterovirus, HSV)
- 2Bacterial pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae)
- 3Direct contact transmission via contaminated fingers, towels, or cosmetic tools
- 4Improper contact lens hygiene, contaminated lens solution, or sleeping in lenses
- 5Chemical irritants, smoke, and swimming pool chlorinated water
4. Treatments & Medical Management
5. Prevention & Daily Eye Care Advice
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizers
- Never sharing towels, pillowcases, eye makeup, or eye drops with others
- Avoiding rubbing or touching the infected eye to prevent transmission to the contralateral eye
- Rigorous contact lens hygiene and avoidance of swimming with lenses
6. When to Seek Emergency Eye Care
Visit an immediate eye emergency center if you experience any of the following critical indicators:
- ⚠Severe deep ocular pain or deterioration in visual acuity
- ⚠Marked photophobia preventing eye opening (suggesting corneal keratitis)
- ⚠Copious, hyperacute purulent discharge (suspicion of gonococcal infection)
- ⚠Lack of clinical improvement after 3–4 days of prescribed antibiotic therapy
- ⚠Any newborn presenting with red, swollen eyes and purulent discharge
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How long is viral pink eye contagious?
Viral conjunctivitis remains highly contagious for as long as active tearing and redness persist, typically 10 to 14 days, necessitating strict contact precautions.