Many health issues, such as high blood pressure, early cancer stages, and diabetes, often go unnoticed for years because they exhibit no visible symptoms. However, some conditions, like pink eye, are easily identifiable and display striking symptoms.

For example, acne is a clear sign of a skin problem, and someone wearing glasses typically has vision issues. Nausea and vomiting are clear indicators of illness, while persistent snoring and pauses in breathing at night are signs of sleep apnea.

Among the easily recognizable conditions, pink eye stands out as the most prevalent, impacting approximately six million individuals each year in the U.S.

Understanding Pink Eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, occurs when the delicate membrane covering the white part of the eye and the eyelid becomes infected and inflamed.

Dr. John Epling, a family doctor and professor at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, explains that pink eye typically leads to a discharge from the conjunctiva, which can range from watery to thick, resembling pus. This discharge might appear clear, yellow, or green, and may cause eyelids to stick together upon waking.

Additional symptoms of conjunctivitis include watery eyes, redness in one or both eyes, itching, and mild discomfort, according to Dr. Daniel Shapiro, a pediatric emergency physician at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.

The causes of pink eye, often viral or bacterial, can easily spread between individuals or through contaminated objects. This is why those with conjunctivitis should avoid close contact with others and refrain from sharing personal items like towels or makeup until they are no longer contagious, which can last from a few days to a week, as noted by Dr. Epling.

What Triggers Pink Eye?

Pink eye’s characteristic look arises when small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, making them more prominent, explains the Mayo Clinic.

The most common irritants include viruses and bacteria. Common bacterial culprits are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, often contracted through dirty pillows or unclean contact lenses.

The adenovirus is responsible for most viral cases, but other viruses like those that cause measles and chickenpox, as well as the herpes simplex virus, can also lead to pink eye.

Dr. Shapiro mentions that pink eye can occasionally result from chemical irritants or direct contact with harmful substances, although such incidents are rare.

Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can also play a role in triggering pink eye. In infants, the condition known as neonatal conjunctivitis is often due to a blocked tear duct.

Treating Pink Eye

Most pink eye cases resolve naturally and are not typically serious. As Dr. Shapiro points out, conjunctivitis should not normally cause vision changes, light sensitivity, or severe pain. If these symptoms are present, a referral to an ophthalmologist may be necessary.

For mild cases that do not exhibit severe symptoms, treatment can usually be handled at home. Cleaning the eye gently with warm water to remove crust and avoiding rubbing the eyes can help relieve symptoms.

For more severe cases of bacterial pink eye, topical treatments may alleviate symptoms. These can include antibiotic ointments, artificial tears, or lubricating drops. Oral antibiotics are rarely needed, except in uncommon situations or complications. For allergic conjunctivitis, the best strategy is to avoid the allergens responsible for the reaction.