Forget googling "Can eye infections kill you?". Those bloodshot eyes, itchiness, and discharge could be signs of conjunctivitis, a common eye infection. Are you squinting at your screen with burning red eyes? But not anymore! Don’t get scared of an eye infection. Know if it is bacterial or allergic. Know the symptoms and adhere to a roadmap to faster relief. We'll equip you with the knowledge to decipher your conjunctivitis symptoms. Also, understand the treatment options for eye infections. Besides, we help you ask the right questions during your doctor's visit. So, put down the eye drops and pick up this guide—it's time to reclaim healthy eyes once again.
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, resulting in bloodshot eyes. Pink eye infection is caused by the invasion of viruses, bacteria, or allergens in the thin, clear tissue located inside the eyelids, in the white part. But don’t let pink eyes scare you off! There are different types of conjunctivitis; let's decode the causes of bloodshot eyes, and understand how our eyes get infected with these factors.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is a less common type of conjunctivitis. This conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection and can usually be treated with antibiotic treatment options. Eyelids are puffy, and the infected may take a week to recover from the bacterial infection.
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and has infected thousands of people in each region with the eye flu. Whenever one catches a cold or flu virus, the chance of getting mild discomfort in the eyes exists.
Conjunctivitis can also result from allergy-prone pollen, dust, mites, or animal dander. It is less contagious and can be controlled by the application of allergic eye drops. Whenever you get allergic to substances, chances of infection with conjunctivitis exist.
Conjunctivitis caused by irritant chemical exposure or invasion of foreign objects in the eyes is called irritation conjunctivitis. Various irritants and external factors are responsible for these. Even contact lenses, when worn for a longer time and not cleaned thoroughly, can result in this situation. Symptoms of eye infection usually end after a day, but if the irritation exists in the eye, you need emergency medical attention. Chemical exposure to acid or alkali can also irritate your eyes. Even dry eye symptoms can trigger a pink eye infection, so take thorough care.
Conjunctivitis, aka pink eye infection, is an eye inflammation whose symptoms typically vary depending on the type and cause. Let's decode the common symptoms of a pink eye infection and know the warning signs.
We are now exploring how the types of conjunctivitis differ in each type. Look for the tabular presentation of the data below for the bloodshot eyes you are facing.
| Types of Conjunctivitis | Distinctive Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Viral | Runny nose, Sore throat |
| Bacterial | Discharge (pus), eyelid sticking together |
| Allergic | Itching, tearing, swelling, sneezing, scratchy throat |
| Irritation | Crusting of eyelids, mucus discharge, watery eyes |
Conjunctivitis can be treated with effective measures. Before treatment, the eye doctor will check for what is responsible for infecting your eyes. Upon assessment of the underlying cause of pink eye infection, a specific treatment plan is recommended, suited to your eye condition.
Antibiotics are not effective when it comes to viral infections in the eyes. It typically takes around 2 to 3 weeks to gradually clear the symptoms of the virus, and antiviral medicines like aciclovir, trifluridine, and valaciclovir are prescribed for some cases of adenoviral conjunctivitis. Antiviral drugs are prescribed to treat the herpes simplex virus, which causes bloodshot eyes. Even eye issues and complications are reduced with effective treatment plans that run over the course.
If your eyes are infected with bacterial conjunctivitis, then antibiotics are given to you in the form of eye drops or ointments. The medications help you reduce the spread of pink eye infections and shorten the irritation and infection period. Tobramycin, Azithromycin, Neomycin, Ciprofloxacin, Gatifloxacin, Fluoroquinolones, and gentamicin are among some of the prescribed drugs for bacterial infection of the eyes.
If it's allergic conjunctivitis, you are infected with allergy medications and certain eye drops are prescribed for you. Corticosteroids, artificial Tears, Claritin eye, and immunotherapy are some medications through which allergic eye infections are treated.
When one is infected with chemical conjunctivitis, the standard treatment includes careful cleaning of the eyes with the help of saline. Topical steroids could also be an optional treatment method. Such irritant recovers faster than others, while moxifloxacin, tobramycin, and erythromycin, eye drops can be taken for relief. Cold compresses, ointments, and preservative-free artificial tears
Conjunctivitis is a pink eye disease caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants, or allergen contamination in the eyes. The recovery time of viral conjunctivitis is usually 7–14 days, and it can be painful to some extent. However, with the necessary precautions, you can avoid this pink eye complication. In some cases, the chances of causing long-term consequences are the bare minimum. Even it can be improved without antibiotic treatment in 2 to 5 days. So, let's find out how you can prevent conjunctivitis.
The pink eye condition is a risk factor for developing conjunctivitis. Take charge of your eye health today by taking proper care. But before I explain the risk factors for pink eyes below:
Viral infections are highly contagious. The most common virus, adenovirus, often causes it. Besides, the herpes simplex virus (HSV), and herpes zoster can lead to severe eye problems. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), picornavirus (enterovirus 70, Coxsackie A24), poxvirus (molluscum contagiosum, vaccinia), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are also responsible for pink eye.
A bacterial infection can also lead to pink eye issues. The common bacteria resulting in conjunctivitis are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Neisseria meningitidis. Follow the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment for better relief.
Pink eye infections are consequences of pollen, dust, and allergen inflammation. Mites, pet dander, mold, and other substances cause the release of histamine, leading to inflammation in the eyes. Even atopic dermatitis or eczema have some association with allergic infections in the eyes. Use topical lubricants and antihistamine eye drops to relieve allergen symptoms.
Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, or chemical vapors can cause eye infections. Chlorine in swimming pools, noxious chemicals, and air pollution are major factors leading to non-infectious irritant infections. Medical emergencies may also result in severe chemical injuries. Loose eyelashes also cause pink eyes.
Contact lens wear can increase the risk of developing conjunctivitis if not cleaned and stored safely from fungal or bacterial infections. Extended wear of contact lenses can increase inflammation. So, notice in cases of dry eye syndromes, tear film abnormalities, and irritant environmental factors.
Conjunctivitis is concerned with red eye inflammation. There are mild to severe cases of eye infection, so it's always better to seek professional medical advice for effective treatment. Meanwhile, our comprehensive guides help you get an approximate diagnosis. Know the importance of testing your eyes, and ask about the varying causes and treatments of the eye disease. Don't ignore a red-eye infection and its symptoms. Get effective treatment and regain clear and comfortable vision. Schedule your appointment today with Vision Concern for proper eye care.
Yes, we provide emergency eye care for conditions like eye injuries, sudden vision loss, and infections. If you experience any urgent eye problems, please contact us immediately, and our team will assist you in getting the care you need.
Signs to watch for include blurry vision, floaters, sudden loss of vision, eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam at Vision Concern Eye Clinic as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re experiencing blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain, it may be a sign that you need glasses or contact lenses. Our eye exams will help determine whether you need corrective lenses. We’ll also discuss your options based on your lifestyle and preferences, including glasses, contacts, or even refractive surgery like LASIK.
