Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Pink Eye?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Conjunctivitis, known colloquially as “pink eye,” is an infection of the eye or eyes that can lead to redness, itching, irritation, and a characteristic creamy discharge in many cases. For the most part, this infection is merely irritating, not threatening, although a medical professional should be seen to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, he or she may offer prescription medication to help clear up the illness. Avoiding contracting it in the first place, of course, is preferable.

Pink eye starts with an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white of the eye and part of the eyelid. As the conjunctiva becomes more inflamed and irritated, it starts to get infected, causing the veins in the eye to turn red and irritated. If the infection is allowed to continue, the eye may start to produce a discharge, and it can become very uncomfortable.

A diagram of a healthy eye.
A diagram of a healthy eye.

There are several potential causes for this infection, including several bacterias and viruses. In this case, the condition is infectious, so the patient should be careful about touching the eye and interacting with other people. When it's caused by bacteria, a medical professional may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the problem. Foreign bodies in the eye can also cause itchy eyes and irritation, and some allergies can manifest themselves as pink eye as well. Removing the foreign body and figuring out the cause of the allergy are important in these cases.

Medication can come in the form of eye drops for infections of the eye.
Medication can come in the form of eye drops for infections of the eye.

Pink eye is a very common condition, especially in children, but there are a few steps that can be taken to help avoid it. The first is for individuals to make sure that they always wash their hands before touching their eyes and face, and to do the same after touching other people. Keeping the face and eyes clean is also important, as is avoiding allergens that have been known to cause eye problems in the past. These basic steps are also good for health and hygiene in general.

A person with pink eye should not share things like washcloths with others.
A person with pink eye should not share things like washcloths with others.

In addition, people should avoid sharing things like washcloths and eye cups, which may carry traces of infectious material. Any materials used to wipe the face and eyes, such as cotton makeup swabs, should also be securely discarded and not reused, if they are disposable, or washed before the next use in the case of reusable items. Labeling or color coding things like washcloths can help people distinguish between their belongings in a large household.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

recapitulate

@widget2010, unfortunately it is a really hard thing to teach children to do, especially kids with compulsive behavior or some sort of attention deficit. Although it is easily caught, though, at least pink eye treatment is fairly simple and straightforward.

widget2010

One of the reasons that many people try to teach against touching your face much, whether you are sick or not, is the possibility of getting and developing pink eye and its symptoms. Something so contagious is easily passed by just one slight touch to the face of something with the right germs.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A diagram of a healthy eye.
      A diagram of a healthy eye.
    • Medication can come in the form of eye drops for infections of the eye.
      By: alco81
      Medication can come in the form of eye drops for infections of the eye.
    • A person with pink eye should not share things like washcloths with others.
      By: happytotakephoto
      A person with pink eye should not share things like washcloths with others.
    • Pink eye is a very common condition, especially in children.
      By: Stacy Barnett
      Pink eye is a very common condition, especially in children.