https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conjunctivitis
https://www.cdc.gov/features/conjunctivitis/index.html
http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/conjunctivitis.htm
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/tc/pinkeye-topic-overview#1
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/basics/definition/con-20022732
https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/index.html
Conjunctivitis, also known as
pink eye, is
inflammation of the
outermost layer of the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the
eyelid.
[3] It makes the eye appear pink or reddish.
[1] There may also be pain, burning, scratchiness, or itchiness.
[1] The affected eye may have increased tears or be "stuck shut" in the morning.
[1] Swelling of the white part of the eye may also occur.
[1] Itching of the eye is more common in cases due to allergies.
[2] Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes.
[1]
The most common infectious causes are
viral followed by
bacterial.
[2] The viral infection may occur along with other symptoms of a
common cold.
[1] Viral and bacterial cases are easily spread between people.
[1] Allergies to
pollen or animal hair is also a common cause.
[2] Diagnosis is often based on signs and symptoms.
[1] Occasionally a sample of the discharge is sent for
culture.
[1]
Prevention is partly by
handwashing.
[1] Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
[1] In the majority of viral cases, there is no specific treatment.
[2] Most cases due to a bacterial infection will also resolve without treatment; however,
antibiotics can shorten the illness.
[1][2] Those who wear
contact lens and those with either
gonorrhea or
chlamydia as the cause should be treated.
[2] Allergic cases can be treated with
antihistamine or
mast cell inhibitor drops.
[2]
About 3 to 6 million people get conjunctivitis each year in the United States.
[1][2] In adults viral causes are more common, while in children bacterial causes are more common.
[2] Typically people get better in one or two weeks.
[1][2] If there is
visual loss, significant pain,
sensitivity to light, signs of
herpes, or a person is not improving after a week, further diagnosis and treatment may be required.
[2] Conjunctivitis in a newborn, known as
neonatal conjunctivitis, may also require specific treatment.
[1]