Are you experiencing redness, irritation, or watery discharge from your eyes?

These all are symptoms of Pink eye infection, also called Conjunctivitis.

A study by Shield and Sloane shows that around 6 million people suffer from Conjunctivitis annually.

The most common pink eye causes are bacteria, viruses, and allergens.

The infections lead to mild symptoms, usually lasting one or two weeks.

However, in cases of severe infection, it can last longer.

Here, the article discusses the causes and risk factors of Pink Eye.

Bacteria

Bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Haemophilus, and Moraxella cause infection in the eye leading to Conjunctivitis.

conjunctivitis or redness in eye
redness in eye

The symptoms caused by bacterial pink eye include,

  • Redness in eyes
  • Grittiness, burning, or mild pain
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Thick, sticky discharge from the eye

The cases of mild bacterial pink eye are usually gone within a week or two and sometimes even without treatments.

However, if the cause is severe, proper treatment is crucial.

Severe bacterial conjunctivitis conditions include,

Hyperacute Bacterial Conjunctivitis

It is a severe, sight-threatening condition that requires immediate medical help and management. 

It is caused due to infection by N. gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitides. 

A consistent yellow-green discharge from the eye characterizes the condition. 

The patients can also experience conjunctival injection, chemosis, or lid swelling. 

Warning
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your Ophthalmologist immediately. If left untreated, the bacterial infection can affect the cornea and lead to blindness.

Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Sticky eyelashes, burning, irritation, and constant tearing are all characteristics of Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis. 

It is a common infection caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae in children and S. aureus in adults.

The symptoms are less severe, slow in appearing, and increasing. 

These bacteria spread through hand-to-eye contact, coming in contact with infected people. 

Bacterial Conjunctivitis can affect people of any age, but it is more common in children than adults. 

It is very contagious, which means that it can be spread easily from person to person. 

Hence, it is essential for people with bacterial Conjunctivitis to practice good hygiene. This will avoid the spread of the condition.

Viruses

Viral Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and caused by Adenovirus. 

The infection usually begins in one eye and spreads to the other. The common symptoms include,

  • Burning, grittiness in eyes
  • Redness 
  • Watery discharge
  • Swollen and reddened eyelids
  • Foreign body sensation

Viral pink eyes can also cause a runny nose, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms.

It usually occurs in communities like schools, workplaces, and physician’s offices. 

The modes of transmission include handshakes, hand-to-eye contact, and swimming pools. 

It is contagious for at least one week after the symptoms start appearing. 

Viral Conjunctivitis can be severe in newborn babies or people with weakened immune systems. 

Also Read: If you are looking for a difference between viral and bacterial Conjunctivitis, go through, Viral vs Bacterial Pink Eye: How to Tell.

Allergens

Allergens like pollens, grass, and airborne substances can cause allergic Pink eye. 

Allergic pink is not a severe and noncontagious disorder. 

The most common allergic Pink eye is called seasonal allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis, also called Hay fever Rhinoconjunctivitis. 

Some symptoms that patients experience may include,

  • Frequent itching 
  • Excessive tearing 
  • Redness 
  • Mild eyelid swelling 

This cause is not contagious, meaning you can’t pass it on to someone else.

It is usually mild and clears up in a few weeks, even without treatments.

Other Causes

Besides bacteria, viruses, and allergens, other pink eye causes include,

Chemicals

A study shows that certain topical medications, preservatives used in medicines, and contact lens solutions can cause allergic reactions in the eye.

These allergic reactions, in many cases, can lead to Conjunctivitis. It is a mild infection and usually subsides within a few days.

Other chemicals that can cause Pink eye include artificial tears, smokes, chlorine in swimming pools, and fumes from industries.

Dry eyes

Dry eye symptoms
Dry eye symptoms

Tears help protect the eyes’ surface from infection and inflammation. 

In the case of Dry eyes, the low production of eyes increases the chances of eye infection. 

This eye infection, in many cases, can result in Conjunctivitis. 

Other Causes of Pink Eye
Make-up products that irritate the eyes and prolonged use of contact lenses can also cause pink eye.

Who is at risk of Pink eye?

Pink eye is a highly infectious condition. Children, especially newborns, are at more risk of catching the infection than adults.

Although anyone can get pink eye, you may be more likely to get it if you:

  • Came in contact with an infected person 
  • Used the infected person’s personal belongings like a towel, comb, or make products
  • Wear contact lenses for an extended period
  • Are allergic to things like pollen, animal dander, or mold

Also Read: You can go through Is Pink Eye Contagious? Understanding the Risks and Prevention.

Conclusion

Pink eye causes can range from bacterial and viral to allergic infections. 

Allergens such as pollens, dander, smoke, and dust can also irritate the eyes leading to Pink eye. 

In most cases, the infection is not severe and clears up in a few months. 

Remember, pink eye infections can spread very quickly, so avoid close contact with people who have them.

Checkout:
Visit WowRx, and buy the right medicine online, easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Pink eyes in toddlers?

In toddlers, pink eye is mainly caused due to viral infections. These can spread through hand-to-eye contact or close contact with an infected person.

Can Pink eye cause a fever?

Viral pink eyes can cause fever and cold in patients, with symptoms in eyes like redness and swelling. Pink eyes can also cause respiratory symptoms.

What bacteria causes pink eye infection?

Bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Haemophilus, and Moraxella cause infection in the eye leading to Conjunctivitis.

Citations:
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.