The 6 types of pink eye (conjunctivitis) are viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, chemical conjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis and neonatal conjunctivitis. It may be helpful to know that some symptoms of different conjunctivitis types can often overlap and depending on the severity, may also require similar treatment. The 6 types of pink eye (conjunctivitis) are listed below.
- Viral Conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form of conjunctivitis that develops from viral infections. Viral conjunctivitis is usually caused by adenovirus but can also develop from other viruses, including herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis is very contagious and can develop from many different types of bacteria which include staph and strep. Other types of bacteria that lead to ear and sinus infections and pneumonia may also contribute to developing bacterial conjunctivitis.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis may stem from your allergic reactions to common allergens such as pollen, animal dander and dust.
- Chemical Conjunctivitis: Chemical conjunctivitis is caused by getting chemicals from smoke, fumes or liquids in the eye.
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis: Giant papillary conjunctivitis occurs when the inside of the eyelid becomes swollen, red and irritated causing giant papillae, which is a classic sign of giant papillary conjunctivitis. This can occur as a result of an injury, irritation from edges or protein deposits on contact lenses or an artificial eye.
- Neonatal Conjunctivitis: Neonatal conjunctivitis occurs during the first four weeks of birth with an infection developing during the infant’s delivery.
1. Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis can develop when the eye is infected with viruses such as adenovirus, herpes simplex virus or the varicella zoster virus and can last for up to 14 days. Viral conjunctivitis may be contagious for 10-12 days so patients should avoid touching their affected eyes, sharing towels or napkins. Typical symptoms of viral conjunctivitis can include itchy eyes, excessive tearing, redness, eye discharge, light sensitivity and in some cases sore eyes. Managing and treating viral conjunctivitis may require cold compresses and lubricants, such as chilled artificial tears, for comfort or antihistamine eye drops to alleviate itchiness according to Medscape.
2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by an infection from bacteria such as staph and strep and may last for 2-5 days or up to 14 days. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious and symptoms can include red conjunctiva, itchy eyes, burning eyes, and white or yellow discharge from the eye that forms a crust during the night. Bacterial conjunctivitis can also occur as a result of touching your eyes with unclean hands, using contaminated eye makeup and facial lotions according to the American Optometric Association. Treating bacterial conjunctivitis may involve antibacterial medication in the form of either eye drops or an ointment.
3. Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis may occur if you have existing allergies to dust mites, animal dander, indoor and outdoor mould spores and, in some cases, foods or food additives. Allergic conjunctivitis can be seasonal, which means it may be triggered by grass, pollen and other airborne allergens during spring and summer months. The other type of allergic conjunctivitis is perennial, which is when conjunctivitis develops throughout the year and typically as a result of exposure to indoor allergens such as animal dander, dust and mould spores. Allergic conjunctivitis can take place as a result of eye allergies as it can cause dilatation of blood vessels in the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the eye. Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis may be alleviated with antihistamine eye drops or tablets.
4. Chemical Conjunctivitis
Chemical conjunctivitis is caused by chemicals, liquids, smoke and fumes getting into the eye and may persist for 12 to 24 hours. Treating chemical conjunctivitis typically requires flushing the eyes with saline solution or fresh water if you are at home. However, in more severe cases, topical steroids may be prescribed according to the American Optometric Association. Chemical substances entering the eye can lead to serious injuries such as burns or scarring depending on the type of chemical and the extent of its exposure. It is important to see a medical professional if this occurs to ensure no further damage is caused and for professional removal of the substance and treatment.
5. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
Giant papillary conjunctivitis is when the inside of the eyelids becomes red, irritated and swollen. Giant papillary conjunctivitis can stem from contact lens wear, an artificial eye and surgical stitches. Eyelids without giant papillary conjunctivitis are normally smooth. Other symptoms of giant papillary conjunctivitis can include foreign body sensation, swollen or drooping eyelids and excess mucus, which can cause blurry vision. If you wear contact lenses, treating giant papillary conjunctivitis may require avoiding wearing them for a couple of weeks. The optometrist or ophthalmologist may prescribe eye drops or ointments to alleviate itching and/or swelling according to the Cleveland Clinic.
6. Neonatal Conjunctivitis
Neonatal conjunctivitis typically occurs during the first four weeks of birth when the infant acquires an infection during the delivery. Neonatal conjunctivitis, also called ophthalmia, is a common infection that occurs in newborns and causes inflammation of the outer eye and requires treatment to prevent loss of vision. Treating neonatal conjunctivitis will depend on the diagnosis and can involve a range of care. Some cases of neonatal conjunctivitis can include treatment in the form of regular eye care to the use of antibiotic eye drops according to the Government of Western Australia Child and Adolescent Health Service.
What is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is a common eye problem that causes inflammation in the clear membrane that covers the eyeball, known as the conjunctiva. There are many different pink eye types (conjunctivitis) with the most common types being from a bacterial infection, viral infection or from allergies. Symptoms of pink eye can include a red conjunctiva, itchy eyes, sore eyes and discharge from the eye. Treatment for pink eye or conjunctivitis is dependent upon what type of pink eye a person has. Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis may include antihistamines, whilst viral and bacterial conjunctivitis treatment may include medicated eye drops to alleviate symptoms.
What are the Common Causes of Pink Eye?
The common causes of pink eye are from viruses, bacteria, allergens, chemicals, contact lens wear and foreign body in the eye. These causes may only result in mild cases of pink eye (conjunctivitis). However some causes can lead to other complications. Therefore, it is important to see a medical professional to make sure no further damage is caused. The common causes of pink eye are listed below.
- Viruses: Viruses such as adenovirus, herpes simplex virus and the varicella-zoster virus can cause conjunctivitis when a patient touches a surface or object that is contaminated with the infectious virus.
- Bacteria: Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria such as staph and strep that enters the eye and infects the conjunctiva.
- Allergens: Allergens such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites, indoor and outdoor mould spores and, in some cases, foods or food additives can cause conjunctivitis to arise.
- Chemicals: Chemicals from smoke, fumes or liquids getting in the eye can lead to conjunctivitis.
- Contact Lens Wear: Conjunctivitis can develop from contact lens wear if proper care and hygiene is not followed.
- Foreign Body in the Eye: Foreign bodies in the eye may trigger conjunctivitis and are defined as outdoor debris, dirt, sand or small chips of wood.
What is Commonly Misdiagnosed as Pink Eye?
Eye problems that are commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye can include keratitis, blepharitis, uveitis and dry eye. The eye problems that are commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye are listed below.
- Keratitis: Keratitis can commonly be misdiagnosed as pink eye as they share either the same or very similar symptoms. Keratitis is defined as inflammation in the cornea caused by an infection by bacteria or viruses or injury to the eye. Keratitis symptoms can include pain, redness, excessive tears, blurry vision and light sensitivity.
- Blepharitis: Blepharitis may be mistakenly perceived as pink eye due to their shared symptoms of red eyes, swollen eyes, crusted eyelashes and burning eyes. Blepharitis is an eye condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids due to bacteria and/or problems with the meibomian glands in the eyes.
- Uveitis: Uveitis is characterised as an infection or an autoimmune disease that can bring on symptoms that can occur suddenly. These typically include redness in the eye, severe pain, severe sensitivity to light, floaters and blurry vision.
- Dry Eye: Dry eye causes similar symptoms to pink eye with symptoms such as watery eyes, redness, and sensation of stinging, burning and scratching. Dry eye occurs when the eyes produce a lack of tears or produce inadequate quality of tears.
Can COVID-19 Cause Pink Eye?
Yes, covid-19 can cause pink eye. According to the Australian Journal of General Practice, patients have reported symptoms of viral conjunctivitis, which included eye redness and excessive tears. However, this may be dependent on the type of covid variant you have according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Does Pink Eye Cause Eye Discharge?
Yes, pink eye can cause discharge. Pink eye can lead to eye discharge due to the conjunctiva and meibomian glands producing a combination of mucus, oil and ocular cells. Eye discharge can typically be clear, yellow or green during conjunctivitis and dry out when sleeping, forming a crust along your eyelashes.
How to Diagnose Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Correctly?
To diagnose pink eye (conjunctivitis) correctly, you can first take a look at your symptoms and confirm whether you are experiencing redness, excessive tears, itchiness, eye pain and discharge. If you do have these symptoms, see an optometrist so they can conduct a professional diagnosis of your condition. They will be able to determine how severe your condition is and whether you require medication.
How to Treat Mild Pink Eye Symptoms at Home?
To treat mild pink eye symptoms at home, you can try using artificial tears, wipe your affected eyes with a clean, damp cloth and apply a cold compress and a warm compress. However, it is always recommended that you see a healthcare professional so they can inform you of the most suitable treatment. The steps to treat mild pink eye symptoms at home are listed below.
- Artificial Tears: Try using artificial tears to help alleviate any chemical irritation and possible dryness that can occur from conjunctivitis.
- Clean Damp Cloth: Wipe your affected eyes with a clean, damp cloth to remove any discharge or dried crust from your general eye area to maintain cleanliness.
- Cold and Warm Compress: Apply a cold compress to bring down swelling and help provide relief to irritated and burning eyes. Apply a warm compress only to viral conjunctivitis or bacterial conjunctivitis affected eyes to help prevent build up of mucus. Applying warm compress to allergic conjunctivitis affected eyes may exacerbate the inflammatory process.
How to Prevent Conjunctivitis?
To prevent pink eye from developing, you can regularly wash your hands, minimise touching your eyes, avoid sharing personal items and wear contact lenses moderately. Viral and bacterial pink eye, or conjunctivitis, are highly contagious, meaning they spread and can infect others. Pink eye is transmitted from person to person by direct contact such as touching, or indirectly, through airborne droplets in the respiratory tract. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by a reaction to an irritant and is not infectious. The ways to prevent pink eye from spreading are listed below.
- Wash Hands: Wash your hands regularly to remove any germs that you have picked up from touching contaminated surfaces.
- Minimise Touching Your Eyes: It is important to avoid touching the eye or eyes that have conjunctivitis as this may irritate the eye and transfer the infection from one eye to another.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Avoid sharing personal items like towels, cups, makeup, or contact lenses to help prevent contracting pink eye from others who may have it.
- Wear Contact Lenses Moderately: Wear contact lenses moderately to help reduce the risk of conjunctivitis occurring through bacterial infection.
Can Pink Eye Heal On its Own?
Yes, pink eye can heal on its own. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, conjunctivitis may clear up on its own without treatment in 7 to 14 days. However, if you have a more severe or recurring case, you may require medication.
Are Eye Drops an Effective Treatment for Pink Eyes?
Yes and no, eye drops can be an effective treatment depending on the type of conjunctivitis that you have. Eye drops may not be effective for cases caused by a virus as viruses do not have cell walls and are instead protected by a protein coat. However, cases caused by chemicals, bacteria, allergens and a foreign object may involve antibacterial eye drops, artificial tears and antihistamine eye drops that may be helpful.
