Pink eye, medically known as Conjunctivitis, is a very common eye condition that causes discomfort and irritation.
It is called pink eye since a person with Conjunctivitis experiences redness in their eyes.
A person might experience pink eyes due to several causes, like viruses, bacteria, and allergies.
These pink eye causes might differ for everyone and cause extreme discomfort, requiring treatment.
In some cases, exposure to certain chemicals might also lead to Conjunctivitis in a person.
This article will discuss the causes of this eye disorder in detail and the available treatment methods.
Learning the Pink Eye Causes
A person experiences Conjunctivitis or pink eyes when there is inflammation in the conjunctiva.
The conjunctiva is the thin and transparent layer that covers the white part of the eyes and lines the inner part of the eyelids.
There are several factors that can cause pink eyes, like allergies, viruses, bacteria, and irritants.
The causes determine whether the condition of Conjunctivitis is infectious or non-infectious.
This section will discuss the different causes of pink eyes in detail.
Viral Pink Eye
Studies state that viral pink eye is one of the most common types of Conjunctivitis and accounts for up to 75% of pink eye cases.
This type of pink eye usually happens due to the Adena virus and is highly contagious in nature.
People with viral pink eye may notice redness, tearing of the eyes, and a watery discharge.
According to research, the herpes simplex virus also causes Conjunctivitis, which usually occurs in children less than five years of age.
Another study states that the Coronavirus can also affect one’s eyes and cause pink eyes in an individual.
Want to know about the remedies for viral pink eye to manage the symptoms of viral Conjunctivitis?
To learn, read Viral Pink Eye Treatment: How to Get Rid of Viral Pink Eye.
Bacterial Pink Eye
Bacterial pink eye usually occurs due to bacteria like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus.
The pink eye caused by Bacteria is also highly transferable and may spread through direct contact or through objects.
According to a study, pink eyes due to these bacteria are more common among adults and the elderly.
It also states that Haemophilus influenzae is the most common type of bacterial pink eye among children.
The symptoms of the bacterial pink eye usually include thick yellow or greenish discharge from one’s eyes, followed by redness and discomfort.
Want to learn everything about bacterial pink eye treatment? To gain complete knowledge, read A Comprehensive Guide to Bacterial Pink Eye Treatment.
Allergic Pink Eye
Research states that people may experience allergic pink eye when their conjunctiva experiences inflammation due to allergens.
These allergens are substances, like pollen or dust, that may cause allergic reactions in an individual.
However, unlike other causes of pink eyes, allergic ones are not contagious in nature.
About 40% of the population experience allergic Conjunctivitis, and itching is one of its most common symptoms.
The other symptoms usually include red eyes, watery eyes, and swelling of the eyelids.
Ways to Treat Pink Eye
Source: megaflopp_from_Getty_ImagesSince pink eyes are usually contagious in nature and cause constant discomfort, it is natural to seek treatment.
In order to prevent viral pink eye, improving the hygiene of the place can help in preventing it.
However, there is no proven treatment for viral Conjunctivitis.
In these cases, lubricating eye drops and putting cold compresses on the eye might be beneficial.
Doctors usually suggest antibiotic eye drops that help treat bacterial infections if a person has bacterial pink eye.
If these infections are brought under control, it can effectively treat bacterial Conjunctivitis.
Rinsing one’s eyes and using artificial tears in the form of eye drops can help prevent allergic pink eye.
It is best to consult your doctor to get the most suitable artificial tears to prevent allergic pink eyes.
Conclusion
Since Conjunctivitis is a common eye problem, it is natural to wonder about the pink eye causes.
A person may experience pink eye due to viruses like Adena, Herpes simplex, and Coronavirus.
In some cases, bacteria like Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae are some of the common causes of pink eye.
People who experience allergic pink eye might face it due to allergens like pollen or dust.
Doctors often suggest antibiotic eye drops to treat bacterial pink eye, while hygiene is the best option for viral Conjunctivitis.
Some people might find cold compresses and rinsing one’s eyes constantly beneficial for allergic pink eye.
If you are constantly experiencing symptoms of pink eyes, it is best to consult your doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main causes of pink eye?
A person may experience pink eye due to three main causes. These causes include viruses, bacteria, and allergies. Some individuals might experience pink eye due to chemical particles, smoke, or foreign bodies in the eyes.
What bacteria causes pink eye?
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacteria like Staphylococcus Aureus, Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Haemophilus Influenzae, and Moraxella Catarrhalis cause bacterial pink eye.
How can you get rid of pink eye?
If you are experiencing pink eye, it is important to keep your eyes clean to ensure no further infections happen. Putting on cold compresses and improving hygiene may also be beneficial. Doctors might suggest antibiotic eye drops to treat the bacterial infection causing the pink eye.
How long does pink eye last?
Under usual circumstances, pink eye in a person might last from 7 to 14 days without any treatment. However, it might take up to 3 weeks to fully cure in severe cases.
Can pink eye cause a fever?
Yes, pink eye may cause a fever in an individual. In most cases, a person with viral Conjunctivitis might experience a sore throat, runny nose, and a fever, indicating that the infection has affected other parts of a person besides the eyes.
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