Conjuctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjuctivitis (Pink Eye) Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in the world. It can affect both children and adults. It is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva) and the white part of the eyeball. This inflammation makes blood vessels more visible and gives the eye a pink or reddish color.

The symptoms may vary, but usually include:

 Redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelids

 Increased amount of tears

 Eye discharge which may be clear, yellow, white, or green

 Itchy, irritated, and/or burning eyes

 Gritty feeling in the eye

 Crusting of the eyelids or lashes

 Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable and/or do not stay in place on the eye There are four main causes of pink eye:

 Viruses

 Bacteria

 Allergens (like pet dander or dust mites)

 Irritants (like smog or swimming pool chlorine) that infect or irritate the eye and eyelid lining

It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of pink eye because some signs and symptoms may be the same no matter the cause. When pink eye is caused by a virus or bacteria, it is very contagious. It can spread easily and quickly from person to person (through contact with the discharge from the infected eye). Pink eye caused by allergens or irritants is not contagious. If a child has discharge from the eye, they should be excluded from care until they have been examine and cleared for re-admission by a health care provider “with or without treatment as determined by the health provider…They do not need to be sent home in the middle of the day. Children with conjunctivitis caused by allergies need not be excluded.”