Conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’ as it is more affectionately referred to is a condition where the membrane covering the white part of the eye becomes inflamed and infected. There are multiple forms of conjunctivitis that can affect your eye’s health and well being.

Signs and Symptoms of Pink Eye
Pink eye derives its name from the classic pink eye that results when the eye becomes inflamed and infected. Some patients report the eye hurting or itching in addition to becoming discolored. It is important you understand and recognize the signs and symptoms of pink eye before they become contagious. Many times parents mistake an allergic reaction or allergic conjunctivitis with the type of pink eye that is infectious. To help you discern fact from fiction, here are some signs and symptoms of pink eye, whether bacterial, viral, allergic or GPC related:

Inflammation around the skin that outlines your eyelid and the under side of your eyeball. This may result in a bloated appearance of the eye. Scratchy or itchy sensation within the eye. Often people report the itching or scratching sensation the most irritating of symptoms. Because even if you do scratch or rub your eye you may find the irritation still exists. Eyes that become sealed closed on waking, whether sealed from crust or dried pus and inflammation. If this is the case you should get to your doctor quickly so the infection does not spread elsewhere.
Visual disturbances that may include double vision or blurry vision.
More visible red blood vessels or lines around your eye or on the eyelid.
Small bump or larger bump on the under or upper part of the eyelid.
Excessive tearing that does not go away and results in irritation.

Types of Pink Eye
There are multiple forms of conjunctivitis that can affect the eye. Some of the more common include:

Bacterial – This form of pink eye usually affects both eyes. Patients with bacterial conjunctivitis may experience itching and heavy discharge from one or both eyes. At times the discharge may appear yellowish or greenish.
Viral – This form of conjunctivitis typically affects one eye and may result in excessive tearing or a light clear discharge.
Allergic – Some people experience excessive tearing or itching that usually affects both eyes, and this allergic conjunctivitis is sometimes mistaken for viral conjunctivitis.
GPC – GPC or “giant papillary conjunctivitis” typically affects both eyes. It may result in heavy discharge and formation of tiny red bumps along the eyelid. It sometimes results from intolerance or an allergic reaction to certain contact lenses.

The type of conjunctivitis you have will affect the form of treatment your doctor recommends. Usually to diagnose the type of pink eye you have a doctor will examine your eyes and then swab a small amount of discharge for a laboratory analysis.

Causes and Treatment
There are many causes for conjunctivitis, including viral exposure, bacterial contamination and allergic reactions resulting from excessive exposure to environmental pollutants or irritants.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious, hence it is best you try to avoid contamination if possible. Treatment can sometimes be tricky. The best prevention involves frequent hand washing. Pink eye is more common among young children because it spreads so quickly.

Here are some additional common treatments for pink eye:

Warm compresses – A warm compress can help alleviate itching and irritation or inflammation.
Avoid allergic triggers – You can help minimize your risk for allergic conjunctivitis by frequently dusting and vacuuming and even using an air filter. Try keeping the air circulating in your home to help remove environmental toxins.
Stop wearing contact lenses – If you have GPC, you will probably need to stop wearing your contact lenses or switch to a new brand.
Prescription medication – If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help eliminate the condition. Some patients find that antihistamines also help with allergic conjunctivitis. Neither of these remedies works well against viral conjunctivitis.

While typically a minor condition, conjunctivitis may at times develop into a serious eye infection. It is important you consult with your health care provider for guidance on proper treatment.