Conjunctivitis

Table of Contents

Other names

Pink Eye
Eye Infection
Ocular Surface Inflammation
Conjunctival Inflammation

Synopsis

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. This condition leads to redness, itching, swelling, discharge, and sometimes a gritty feeling in the eyes. It can affect one or both eyes and is highly contagious when caused by a virus or bacteria.

There are several forms of conjunctivitis depending on the cause — viral, bacterial, allergic, or irritant-related. While viral conjunctivitis is the most common type (especially in adults), bacterial conjunctivitis is often seen in children. Allergic conjunctivitis results from hypersensitivity reactions to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander.

Types of Conjunctivitis:

  • Viral Conjunctivitis: Caused by viruses like adenovirus; highly contagious.

  • Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae.

  • Allergic Conjunctivitis: Caused by allergens; not contagious.

  • Irritant Conjunctivitis: Caused by exposure to chemicals, smoke, or foreign bodies.

Common Causes:

  • Viral infections (most common)

  • Bacterial infections

  • Allergens (pollen, dust, animal dander)

  • Irritants (chlorine, smoke, pollution)

  • Contact lens wear (especially improper hygiene)

  • Eye injury or foreign body exposure

Severity Factors:

  • Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are generally mild but highly contagious.

  • Severe bacterial infections can damage the cornea if untreated.

  • Allergic conjunctivitis can be chronic and highly irritating but is not dangerous to vision.

  • Persistent or recurrent conjunctivitis needs medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.

When to See a Doctor:

  • Eye pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision

  • Symptoms lasting more than a week without improvement

  • Worsening redness, swelling, or discharge

  • If vision becomes impaired

  • For infants or individuals with weakened immune systems

  • Suspected bacterial conjunctivitis (thick yellow or green discharge)

Natural Remedies

Warm compresses: Help relieve viral or bacterial conjunctivitis by promoting drainage.

Cold compresses: Soothe allergic conjunctivitis symptoms like itching and swelling.

Artificial tears: Lubricate the eyes and help flush out irritants.

Strict hygiene: Wash hands often, avoid touching or rubbing eyes, and avoid sharing towels or pillowcases.

Remove contact lenses: Until symptoms fully resolve.

Limit allergen exposure: In cases of allergic conjunctivitis.