Conjunctivitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Why You Should See Your Optometrist

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. While conjunctivitis is often associated with redness and irritation, it can be caused by a variety of factors and may require different treatments depending on the cause.

At Look Eyecare & Eyewear, we’re dedicated to helping our patients in Coppell, Irving, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area understand their eye health. In this blog, we’ll dive into the causes, symptoms, and treatments for conjunctivitis, and why seeing your optometrist is important if you think you have this condition.

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes irritated or infected, causing the blood vessels in the eye to become more prominent and giving the eye a pink or red appearance. Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes, and while it’s often mild, certain types of conjunctivitis can be highly contagious or linked to more serious health issues.

There are three main types of conjunctivitis:

1. Viral Conjunctivitis
This is the most common type of conjunctivitis and is caused by viruses, including those that cause the common cold. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread easily through contact with infected tears or respiratory droplets.

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. This type of conjunctivitis can also be highly contagious and often leads to thicker, yellow or green discharge from the eye.

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis
This type of conjunctivitis occurs when your eyes react to allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold. Unlike viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, but it can cause significant discomfort.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

The symptoms of conjunctivitis can vary depending on the cause, but common signs include:

• Redness in the White of the Eye: One of the most recognizable symptoms of conjunctivitis is a pink or red hue in the white part of the eye.

• Itchiness: This is common in allergic conjunctivitis and can be quite uncomfortable.

• Watery Eyes: Viral and allergic conjunctivitis often cause excessive tearing.

• Discharge from the Eye: Bacterial conjunctivitis typically produces a thick, yellow or green discharge that can make the eyelids stick together, especially after sleeping.

• Swollen Eyelids: Inflammation from any type of conjunctivitis can cause the eyelids to become puffy.

• Sensitivity to Light: In more severe cases, conjunctivitis may cause increased sensitivity to light.
   

Causes of Conjunctivitis

The causes of conjunctivitis vary depending on the type:

• Viral Conjunctivitis: Often caused by viruses associated with the common cold, viral conjunctivitis can spread through hand-to-eye contact after touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
   

• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: This type is usually caused by bacteria that enter the eye through direct contact with infected hands, makeup, or personal items like towels.
   

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: This form is triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. It’s more common in people who have other allergic conditions, such as hay fever or asthma.
   

Is Conjunctivitis Contagious?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are both highly contagious, making it important to take precautions to prevent spreading the infection to others. This includes:

• Washing your hands frequently

• Avoiding touching your eyes

• Using a clean towel and avoiding sharing towels or other personal items

• Disinfecting surfaces and objects you use frequently

• Avoiding close contact with others while symptomatic
   

Allergic conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.
 

Treatment Options for Conjunctivitis

The treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the type of infection and its severity.

1. Viral Conjunctivitis
Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis, and it usually resolves on its own within one to two weeks. To alleviate discomfort, you can:

• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and irritation

• Use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist

• Avoid wearing contact lenses until symptoms have resolved
   

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by your optometrist. Once treatment begins, symptoms usually improve within a few days, although it’s important to finish the full course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from returning.

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis can be managed by avoiding allergens that trigger symptoms. Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine eye drops may help relieve itching and discomfort. In some cases, your optometrist may recommend other treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids for more severe reactions.

When to See Your Optometrist

While conjunctivitis is often a mild condition, it’s important to see your optometrist if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days of home care or worsen, it’s important to see your eye doctor to rule out more serious conditions.
   

• Severe Pain or Vision Changes: If you have significant eye pain or notice changes in your vision, this could be a sign of a more serious issue that requires immediate attention.
   

• Discharge and Crusting: Thick, yellow or green discharge that causes your eyelids to stick together may indicate bacterial conjunctivitis, which requires antibiotic treatment.
   

• Sensitivity to Light: If you develop a sensitivity to light or a severe headache along with conjunctivitis symptoms, seek professional care.
   

Preventing Conjunctivitis

You can reduce your risk of developing conjunctivitis by following some simple preventive measures:

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your eyes, and don’t share personal items like towels or makeup.
   

• Clean Contact Lenses Properly: If you wear contact lenses, make sure to clean and store them as recommended by your eye doctor to prevent infections.
   

• Allergy Management: If you suffer from allergies, take steps to reduce your exposure to allergens, such as keeping windows closed during pollen season and using air purifiers.
   

• Dispose of Contaminated Makeup: If you have a current or recent case of conjunctivitis, throw away any makeup or contact lens solutions that may have been contaminated to prevent reinfection.
   

Conclusion

Conjunctivitis may be a common eye condition, but it’s important to take the proper steps to manage and treat it. Whether your conjunctivitis is viral, bacterial, or allergic, seeking care from an optometrist ensures you receive the appropriate treatment to prevent complications or prolonged symptoms.

At Look Eyecare & Eyewear, we offer comprehensive eye exams and expert care to help you maintain healthy eyes and prevent the spread of eye infections like conjunctivitis. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your eye health, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment.