Pinkeye: Also called conjunctivitis. Redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking

The leading cause of a red eye is virus infection. Viral pink eye is usually associated with more of a watery discharge, not green or yellow in color, and is frequently associated with viral cold-like symptoms. The eyelids may be swollen. Sometimes looking at bright lights is painful. While viral pink eye, may not require an antibiotic, the doctor should see the child, as
occasionally this form of pink eye can be associated with infection
of the cornea, (the clear portion of the front of the eyeball).
This infection must be correctly detected and treated. Viral pink eye is highly contagious.

The bacteria that most commonly cause pink eye are
staphylococcus, pneumococcus, and streptococcus. Symptoms include
eye pain, swelling, redness, and a moderate to large amount of
discharge, usually yellow or greenish in color. The discharge
commonly accumulates after sleep. The eyelids may be stuck together requiring a warm wash cloth applied to the eyes to remove the discharge. This bacterial pink eye responds to repeated warm wash cloths applied to the eyes and antibiotic eye drops or ointment.

Chlamydia is a form a bacterial that is an uncommon form of pink eye in the U.S., but is very common in Africa and the Middle Eastern countries. It can cause pink eye in adults and neonates. It is a cause of pink eye in adolescents and adults that can be sexually transmitted. Chlamydia pink eye is typically treated with tetracycline (except in children less than eight years old, because of possible teeth discoloration) or erythromycin.

Allergic pink eye is usually accompanied by intense itching,
tearing, and swelling of the eye membranes. Frequent causes include seasonal pollens, animal dander, and dust. It is frequently seasonal,
and goes along with other typical “allergy” symptoms
such as sneezing, itchy nose, or scratchy throat. Cold moist wash
clothes applied to the eyes and over-the-counter decongestant
eye drops give welcome relief. Your doctor can prescribe stronger
medications if these remedies are not adequate.

Chemical pink eye can result when any irritating substance enters
the eyes. Common offending irritants are household cleaners, sprays
of any kind, smoke, smog, and industrial pollutants. Prompt, thorough
washing of the eyes with very large amounts of water is very

Persistent conjunctivitis can be a sign of an uncommon underlying
illness in the body. Most often these are rheumatic diseases,
such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Conjunctivitis is also seen in Kawasaki’s disease (a rare disease
associated with fever in infants and young children) and certain
inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn

Bright redness of the whites of the eyes can also occur when the
tiny blood vessels covering the whites of the eyes rupture from
trauma or changes in pressure within the head (for example, after
forceful laughing or vomiting, when diving under water, or even
bending upside down). This condition is called subconjunctival
hemorrhage, and, while it can appear impressive, it is generally

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