Pink eyeis a pink or red appearance of theconjunctivaof the eye.
The conjunctiva is a layer of tissue that covers the white part of your eyeball and your inner eyelid.
Pink eye also is called conjunctivitis, a term that is commonly associated with viral conjunctivitis.
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There are different types of pink eye, but many types may look similar.
It’s often hard to know what is causing pink eye without seeing a healthcare provider.
Some symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis include:
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Treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis usually involves anantibiotic eye drop or ointment.
Common antibiotics used for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis include fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and macrolides.
Your eye healthcare provider may also discuss ways to avoid spreading bacterial conjunctivitis because it can be contagious.
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Viral Conjunctivitis
Viruses causeviral conjunctivitis.
This can include the same viruses that cause the common cold andCOVID-19.
Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis:
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Viral conjunctivitis is contagious.
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Most cases of viral conjunctivitis go away on their own after one to two weeks.
Antihistamines are available as eye drops or in oral forms.
Some eyedrops have both mast cell stabilizers and antihistamines in them.
Some eye drops for allergy treatments are available over the counter.
You may also be able to reduce the frequency of allergic conjunctivitis by avoiding allergens that cause your symptoms.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
Usually, the inside of your eyelid is smooth.
Withgiant papillary conjunctivitis, the inside of your eyelid becomes red and irritated.
You also may get eye drops or ointment to help reduce redness or swelling.
It can have different causes and the symptoms differ, depending on the cause.
For instance, if it’s because of bacterialNeisseria gonorrheainfection, symptoms can include eyelid swelling and discharge.
Treatment for ophthalmia neonatorum depends on the cause and may include antibiotic ointments or drops or antiviral drugs.
Then, the tears drain out of the eye through tear ducts at the inner corner of the eyelids.
This can cause a blockage.
Your healthcare provider will show you how to do this safely.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Some types of conjunctivitis go away on their own.
Other types of conjunctivitis should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Set an appointment with a healthcare provider if you have:
Many causes of pink eye are not serious.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Bacterial conjunctivitis.
Cleveland Clinic.Pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Conjunctivitis (pink eye) causes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Conjunctivitis (pink eye) treatment.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Giant papillary conjunctivitis.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Neonatal conjunctivitis.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.Blocked tear duct (dacryostenosis) in children.
