Early Symptoms of Pink Eye

Pink eye, known as conjunctivitis, is a condition of the infection and inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that covers the eyeball and the underside of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis can cause the conjunctiva to appear pinkish or slightly red in color, for which this condition is commonly known as pink eye.

Besides causing redness of the eye, pink eye can produce several other symptoms. Conjunctivitis caused by bacterial and viral infections can be highly contagious. However, pink eye is not a serious health problem in adults. But in children, especially in babies, conjunctivitis should be reported immediately to a physician or ophthalmologist.

Pink eye can be caused by several factors, of which eye infections caused by viruses and bacteria are common. When pink eye is caused by viruses, it is called viral conjunctivitis, which is associated with infection of the upper respiratory tract. Viral conjunctivitis is usually caused by adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, and varicella-zoster virus.

Bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus and Streptococcus can also cause conjunctivitis. Even bacteria like Moraxella and Chlamydia trachomatis can cause pink eye at times. Bacterial conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia can be persistent in nature. Viral as well as bacterial conjunctivitis can first affect only one eye, and then spread to the other eye.

Apart from viruses and bacteria, pink eye can be associated with allergies, which is known as allergic conjunctivitis. Allergens like dust, pollen, and animal dander can cause allergic conjunctivitis. Even the irritation caused by a chemical splash and the presence of foreign objects in the eye can trigger an episode of pink eye.

As mentioned already, pink eye is mainly of three types - viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis, depending on the causative agent. The symptoms of this condition can vary to some extent depending on the specific type. One of the most common signs or symptoms observed in conjunctivitis is the redness of the affected eye.

However, before the affected eye becomes red or pink in color, a few other symptoms can be observed. The first or early symptom of pink eye is usually a sandy or gritty sensation in the eye, quite similar to the sensation caused by the presence of a foreign object in the eye. This is then followed by eye irritation, itching, and tearing.

However, for some people, the first sign of pink eye could be a sticky and crusty discharge that glues the eyelids together. This is usually the early symptom of viral conjunctivitis. As the infection progresses, the affected eye can become pink or red in color.

This can be accompanied by increased tearing or watery eyes. As the disease or infection progresses, one can experience increased sensitivity to light. Sometimes, one can also experience pain and pressure on the eyeball, especially while standing up.

The most common symptoms of viral conjunctivitis are:
✧ Itchy Eyes
✧ Tearing
✧ Watery discharge
✧ Redness of the eye
✧ Sensitivity to light

Bacterial conjunctivitis can produce the following signs and symptoms:

✧ Itching and redness of the eye
✧ Swelling
✧ Eye pain
✧ Thick, yellow or green-colored discharge

Eye discharge may not be present in conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Sometimes, bacterial conjunctivitis can cause development of pseudomembranes, especially if infection is due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae, β-hemolytic streptococci, or C. diphtheriae. The pseudomembrane has inflammatory cells and exudate, and can stick loosely to conjunctiva.

Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both the eyes. This condition can produce the following signs and symptoms:

✧ Itching and eye irritation
✧ Excessive tearing
✧ Swollen eyelids

Pink eye can be diagnosed by simply examining the eye, though, a sample of the eye discharge is also examined to find the type of infection. This condition resolves on its own in a few days, especially if it is caused by viruses. But still, it is better to see an ophthalmologist or doctor, as viral conjunctivitis can affect the cornea at times.

Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotic eye drops and ointments. Sometimes, oral antibiotics can be prescribed for treating a severe infection. The thick, yellow or green eye discharge can accumulate in the eye while sleeping, and cause eyelids to stick together. You can remove the discharge by using a soft and damp washcloth.

Viral conjunctivitis is usually caused by an infection of the upper respiratory tract like the common cold. Viral pink eye runs its own course and then subsides within 2 to 3 weeks. In the meantime, you can use cold compress and artificial tears to get relief from the symptoms.

Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious. So, care must be taken to avoid spreading the disease to other individuals. Always wash your hands properly after cleaning the infected eye. Antiviral medications are sometimes prescribed by physicians to treat viral conjunctivitis caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Different types of eye drops are available for allergic conjunctivitis. Antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, anti-inflammatory drops, artificial tears, steroids can be prescribed by your physician, depending on the severity of the condition. To prevent future recurrences, it is important to identify and avoid specific allergens that cause conjunctivitis.

If conjunctivitis is caused by chemicals and irritants, the affected eye should be washed immediately with clean water. If acids or alkaline substances get into your eyes, wash them with clean water and contact your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Avoid wearing eye makeup and contact lenses till the symptoms of pink eye have resolved.

Before resuming the use of contact lenses, always talk to your health care provider. Though pink eye usually does not cause any serious complication, occasionally, the infection can spread to the cornea. So, it is important to know the symptoms of pink eye, so that this condition can be identified and treated promptly.

Disclaimer: This post is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.