Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Overview

The conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids. When it becomes inflamed — commonly called 'pink eye' or 'madras eye' — the eye appears red, feels irritated, and may produce discharge.

Conjunctivitis is broadly divided into viral, bacterial and allergic types, each with a different cause, course and treatment. Viral conjunctivitis often occurs in local outbreaks and is highly contagious, while allergic conjunctivitis tends to recur with exposure to specific triggers such as dust or pollen.

Symptoms

• Redness of one or both eyes
• Watery, mucous or thick yellowish discharge depending on the cause
• Itching (typically prominent in allergic conjunctivitis)
• Gritty or burning sensation
• Swollen eyelids, especially on waking
• Mild sensitivity to light

Causes

• Viral infection — the most common cause, often spreading rapidly in families, schools or offices
• Bacterial infection, producing thicker, yellow-green discharge and eyelids stuck together on waking
• Allergic reaction to dust, pollen, pet dander, or contact lens solutions
• Irritants such as smoke, chlorine or pollution

Risk Factors

• Close contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces
• Contact lens wear
• Known seasonal or dust allergies
• Crowded settings such as schools, offices and public transport during outbreaks
• Touching or rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands

When to See a Doctor

See an eye doctor if redness, discharge or discomfort persists beyond a few days, if vision is affected, or if there is significant pain, light sensitivity, or a foreign body sensation, as these can indicate a corneal or more serious problem rather than simple conjunctivitis.

Seek prompt evaluation for conjunctivitis in a newborn, as infections in infants need urgent specific treatment.

Diagnosis

Conjunctivitis is diagnosed clinically through history and a slit lamp examination, which also helps distinguish viral, bacterial and allergic types and rule out corneal involvement.

Tests

• Slit lamp examination of the conjunctiva, eyelids and cornea
• Fluorescein dye staining if corneal involvement is suspected
• Further microbiological testing only in select non-resolving or unusual cases

Treatment Options

Treatment is tailored to the type of conjunctivitis. Most viral cases resolve on their own with supportive care, while bacterial and allergic forms have specific drop treatments.

• Viral conjunctivitis: lubricating drops, cold compresses and supportive care while it runs its natural course over one to two weeks
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: antibiotic eye drops as prescribed
• Allergic conjunctivitis: anti-allergic and antihistamine eye drops, along with avoiding known triggers
• Strict hygiene — frequent handwashing, avoiding eye touching, separate towels, and avoiding contact lens wear until fully recovered — to prevent spreading infective conjunctivitis to others

Expected Outcomes

Most cases of conjunctivitis resolve fully within one to two weeks with appropriate care and do not affect vision long term. Recurrent allergic conjunctivitis is usually well controlled by identifying and avoiding triggers along with periodic use of anti-allergic drops.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• Prompt, same-day evaluation of red or infected eyes by Dr. Dipti Murkute (Pansare), MBBS, DNB Ophthalmology, FICO (UK)
• Accurate distinction between viral, bacterial and allergic causes to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use
• Clear hygiene and home-care guidance to protect family members and colleagues
• Careful examination to rule out corneal involvement in more severe presentations
• Convenient Kharadi location for patients across East Pune