You wake up in the morning, roll out of bed and head to the bathroom to complete your morning routine. When you look up into the mirror you notice your eye is inflamed and looking pink. What gives?
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Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. This is the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and white part of the eyeball. Inflamed blood vessels turn a pink or red color making them more noticeable. The good news is the condition does not affect your vision, although it can be irritating and contagious.
Causes and symptoms of conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is caused by inflammation, infection or allergic reaction. Bacteria can enter the eye through rubbing it, allowing contaminated fluid to enter or a foreign object touching the eye.
Both viruses and bacteria can lead to conjunctivitis. If someone with conjunctivitis touches their eye and comes in contact with someone else or objects others may touch, an unsuspecting person may pick up the infection and develop pink eye. It is spread easily.
Besides a reddish or pink color, symptoms of conjunctivitis include:
- Itchiness
- Gritty feeling on the eye
- Discharge from the eye – eye may not open on the morning because the discharge crusted over the eyelids
- Tearing.
Risk factors for conjunctivitis
Based on the causes of conjunctivitis there are three main risk factors for developing pink eye: Allergies, being exposed to a bacteria or virus and the use of contact lenses. If not properly cared for contact lenses can get dirty and transfer bacteria into your eye increasing your risk of developing conjunctivitis.
Prevention tips for conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis can be irritating and you may have to isolate yourself for a while due to how contagious it can be. Therefore, it’s best if you prevent the onset of pink eye al-together. Here are some effective tips to prevent conjunctivitis:
- Never touch your eye – especially if hands are dirty
- Always keep hands clean
- Always clean your face with clean washcloths and towels
- Throw away old make-up, especially the one’s you use for your eyes (mascara, eyeliner)
- Don’t share eye cosmetics
- Don’t share towels or washcloths
- Get tested for allergies and avoid allergens
- Change pillowcases
- Clean contact lenses and clean them properly.
By following these tips you can lower your risk and prevent the onset of conjunctivitis.
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Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/basics/prevention/con-20022732
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-conjunctivitis
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001010.htm
