Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, or chemicals. There are five main types defined by their causes. Symptoms include redness, tearing, thick discharge, itching, and blurred vision. Treatment depends on the cause, but may include antibiotics, antivirals, or avoiding allergens. It is highly contagious and spreads easily between people and objects. Proper hygiene can help prevent transmission.

1. Conjunctivitis
“Pink Eye”
By: Laura Brown, Sarah Afiz,
and Nick Olson
P.1

2. Conjunctivitis
 Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is
the clear membrane covering the sclera (white part of eye) and
interior lining of eyelids. Conjunctivitis only occurs in the eye.
 The inflammation of the conjunctiva cause the eye’s blood
vessels to dilate, resulting in the reddish appearance.

3. Forms of Conjunctivitis
5 different types of Conjunctivitis
1. Bacterial Conjunctivitis- caused by bacteria
2. Viral Conjunctivitis- often associated with the
common cold, caused by the adenovirus
3. Chlamydia Conjunctivitis- caused by sexually
transmitted infections
4. Allergic Conjunctivitis- caused by pollens, dust
5. Reactive Conjunctivitis- caused by chemicals such
as chlorine in swimming pools, shampoos and
other foreign objects.

4. People Affected
 Conjunctivitis can affect any age person of either
sex.
 It also can affect any race.
 It is very serious if it occurs in an infant. An infant
can contract it while going through the birth canal.
 It is also a common ailment in pre-schools and
elementary schools due to the easy transmission of
the virus.

5. Symptoms
The symptoms of conjunctivitis are varied depending
on the cause of it:
 Redness of the white area of the eye
 Increased tears
 Thick yellow discharge that when dries it crusts over
the eyelashes
 Itchy eyes or Burning sensation
 Blurred vision
 Increased sensitivity to light/ brightness of sun

6. Disease Appearance
 Conjunctivitis can occur at any time of the year and
any time of the day. It is noticed most prominently in
the early mornings when eyes are closed shut from
the mucus.
 Allergy induced occurs primarily during the
heightened hay fever season. Chemical induced
occurs primarily in summer due to increased pool
usage.
 Cases increase during the school year due to close
proximity with so many children in daycare and
schools and lack of proper hygiene.

7. Incubation
 It normally starts in one eye and spreads to the other
eye in a day or two
 This disease is asymmetrical, meaning it can affect
one eye more than the other
 Incubation Period for Pink Eye will vary depending
on whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus.
 Viral infection: from 12 hours to 3 days later,
symptoms will appear.
 Bacterial infection: symptoms display one to three
days after transmission.

8. Treatments
Treatments vary depending on type:
 Bacteria: treated with antibiotics, in the form of eye drops
(Fluorometholone, Tobramycin), ointments, or pills.
 In all cases, if pink eye continues, a Dr. should be consulted.
 Recommended to throw contact lenses away and insert new
ones when the pink color is gone.
 If left untreated, bacterial conjunctivitis can cause scars on
eye’s surface leading to permanent damage and vision loss
 There is no lasting effects if it is treated properly

9. Origination
 Conjunctivas- named after the conjunctiva
 “Pink Eye”- named for the color of the eye
 “Madras Eye”- the virus that causes
conjunctivitis was first identified in Madras,
India during the early 20th century

10. Resources
 webmd.com. (2005). Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/tc/pinkeye-topic-overview
 (2011). Retrieved from
http://www.google.com/advanced_image_search
 Victor Tse, M. (2010, Apr 27). Medscape reference. Retrieved
from http://emedicine.medscape.com
 Yeung, K. (2011, November 3). Bacterial conjuctivitis. Retrieved
from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1191730-overview
 Stöppler, M. C. (2011, 8 7). Pink eye (conjunctivitis). Retrieved
from http://www.medicinenet.com/pink_eye/article.htm