The thin and clear membrane over the white region of the eye is called the conjunctiva. It also lines the inside of the eye lids. The inflammation of this superficial membrane is known as conjunctivitis. The most observable symptom of conjunctivitis is what has earned this eye disease its popular name – pink eye or red eye. There are many causes of pink eye and they can be classified as either infectious or noninfectious.
Infectious pink eye may be caused by viruses or bacteria. Noninfectious pink eye may be due to allergic reactions to chemicals, fumes, pollen, dust or smoke, and in the case of Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis or GPC, by a foreign body in the eye (most commonly, contact lenses). The pinkish or red colour of the eye is a result of the inflammation. Pink eye also causes pain, discomfort and itching. The different kinds of pink eye are distinctly distinguishable from one another. Bacterial pink eye affects both eyes, causes a lot of discharge which is sometimes yellowish (Nyampi, Eye crust) to look at.
However, contrary to popular belief, discharge is not always present. Allergic pink eye also affects both eyes, and leads to excessive tearing, itching and redness in the eyes and occasionally the nose. GPC generally affects contact lens wearers and leads to itching, a heavy discharge, tearing and red bumps inside the eyelids. GPC patients also experience contact lens intolerance because of the pain and the discomfort.
Viral conjunctivitis usually affects only one eye, but can spread to the other eye also and is characterized by a light discharge and excessive watering of the affected eye. In these parts the term red eye is more appropriate. Systemic infections including ear infections, sinus infections, and sore throats caused by bacteria and viruses also cause conjunctivitis. Also the bacteria that cause the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) chlamydia and gonorrhea are often an overlooked cause of pink eye. When it comes to infectious pink eye, prevention is definitely preferable to cure. To avoid developing pink eye maintaining good hygienic habits will discourage it from spreading.
Some of these habits include washing hands a lot, and avoiding rubbing or touching your eyes, not sharing washcloths, pillowcases or towels with anyone else and washing them properly after use. Sharing eye drops or cosmetics such as eyeliner, shadow or mascara should be avoided.
Your ophthalmologist may prescribe eye drops for you and will ask you to discontinue wearing contact lenses until you’re healed. Often times glare protection such as sunglasses are recommended especially in cases of extreme light sensitivity. Warm compresses soothe eyes affected by viral and bacterial pink eye. To avoid allergic reactions to pollen, keep doors and windows closed when the pollen is heavy during the day. Remain in properly ventilated areas in case of smoke, fume or dust exposure. Cold compresses help to soothe allergic pink eyes.
“Remember to keep an eye on your eyes”
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