Pinkeye

Pinkeye Overview

Pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the covering of the eyeball and inside of the eyelid) in the eye. This inflammation may lead to redness, tearing, discharge, itching, and pain. Pinkeye is also called conjunctivitis.

Pinkeye Causes

Pinkeye is a nonmedical term that encompasses several medical causes of conjunctivitis.

Most ophthalmologists (medical doctors who specialize in eye care and surgery) would probably consider the term pinkeye to refer to viral conjunctivitis.

Other causes of conjunctivitis include bacteria, allergic reaction, and chemical irritation.

Pinkeye Symptoms

The eye is pink and itchy. Sometimes, there is a feeling as if something is in the eye. Other symptoms include:

• Eyelids stuck shut when you wake up in the morning (the classic symptom)
  • Uncomfortable, thick yellow or green discharge (often a bacterial infection)
  • Thin, clear drainage from the eye (often a viral infection or an allergic reaction)
  • Itching, burning, or feels like sand in your eye (often a viral infection or an allergic reaction) 
• Family member with the same symptoms (an infection is being passed from one person to another)
• Painful eye in bright light (called photophobia)
  
• A recent cold (often a viral infection)
  
• Swollen lymph nodes (often a viral infection)
  
• Burning during urination or discharge from the penis in men (rare)
  
• Vaginal discharge in women (a possible complication of a sexually transmitted disease)

When to Seek Medical Care

Do not assume that all red, irritated, or swollen eyes are pinkeye (viral conjunctivitis). Your symptoms could also be caused by seasonal allergies, a sty or a chalazion (an inflammation of the gland along the eyelid), or blepharitis (an inflammation or infection of the skin along the eyelid). These conditions are not contagious. Pinkeye, if caused by a virus, is highly contagious.

Call your ophthalmologist if any of the following symptoms develop. Your ophthalmologist may advise you to come into the office to be seen immediately. If you cannot reach your ophthalmologist, go to the hospital's emergency department.

• If there is yellow or green discharge from your eye or if your eyelids are stuck together in the morning
  
• If you have high fever, shaking chills, face pain, or vision loss
  
• If the redness does not improve within 2 weeks (A consultation with an ophthalmologist is necessary. The ophthalmologist will determine if eyedrops or ointments are needed or, in more serious cases, oral or intravenous antibiotics.)
  
• If you have severe pain in your eye when you look into a bright light
  
• If you have blurred vision, have double vision, or see rings of light (halos) around objects

Questions to Ask the Doctor

Is my pinkeye contagious?

• If my pinkeye is contagious, how do I avoid spreading it? Do I need to stay home from work or school?