Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. The main symptoms are pink or red eyes, itching, burning, tearing, and discharge from the eye that can be watery or thick and purulent. There are three main types - viral conjunctivitis which spreads easily and causes watery discharge, bacterial conjunctivitis which causes thick pus-like discharge, and allergic conjunctivitis triggered by allergens. It can be transmitted through direct contact with infected eye secretions or contact with contaminated surfaces. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and whether the

1. Conjunctivitis (Pink
eye)
B Y D R M AY U R I
R A N I

2. Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
Pink or red color in the
white of the eye(s)
Swelling of the
conjunctiva (the thin
layer that lines the white
part of the eye and the
inside of the eyelid)
and/or eyelids
Increased tear
production
Feeling like a foreign
body is in the eye(s) or
an urge to rub the eye(s)
Itching, irritation, and/or
burning
Discharge (pus or
mucus)
Crusting of eyelids or
lashes, especially in the
morning
Contact lenses that feel
uncomfortable and/or do
not stay in place on the
eye

3. Viral
conjunctivitis Can occur with symptoms of a cold,
flu, or other respiratory infection
Usually begins in one eye and may
spread to the other eye within days
Discharge from the eye is usually
watery rather than thick

4. Bacterial
conjunctivitis
More commonly associated
with discharge (pus), which
can lead to eyelids sticking
together
Sometimes occurs with an ear
infection

5. Allergic
conjunctivitis Usually occurs in both eyes
Can produce intense itching, tearing,
and swelling in the eyes
May occur with symptoms of allergies,
such as an itchy nose, sneezing, a
scratchy throat, or asthma

6. Conjunctivitis
by irritants
• Can produce watery eyes and mucus
discharge

7. Transmission
Close personal contact, such as
touching or shaking hands
The air by coughing and sneezing
Touching an object or surface with
germs on it, then touching your
eyes before washing your hands

8. Diagnosis
• The cause is likely a virus if
• conjunctivitis accompanies a
common cold or respiratory tract
infection, and
• discharge from the eye is watery
rather than thick
Viral Conjunctivitis
• conjunctivitis occurs at the same
time as an ear infection
• occurs shortly after birth
• discharge from the eye is thick
rather than watery
Bacterial
Conjunctivitis
Allergic Conjunctivitis
• The cause is likely allergic if
• conjunctivitis occurs seasonally when pollen counts are high
• the patient’s eyes itch intensely
• it occurs with other signs of allergic disease, such as hay fever,
asthma, or eczema

9. Consult a doctor if
conjunctivitis along with any
of the following conditions:
• pain in the eye(s)
• sensitivity to light or blurred vision that does
not improve when discharge is wiped from the
eye(s)
• intense redness in the eye(s)
• symptoms that get worse or don’t improve,
including pink eye thought to be caused by
bacteria which does not improve after 24 hours
of antibiotic use
• a weakened immune system, for example from
HIV infection, cancer treatment, or other
medical conditions or treatments
• Newborns with symptoms of conjunctivitis
should be seen by a doctor right away.

10. Prevention
Wash
Wash your hands
often with soap
and warm water
for at least 20
seconds. If soap
and warm water
are not available,
use an alcohol-
based hand
sanitizer that
contains at least
60% alcohol to
clean hands
Wash
Wash your hands
after contact with
an infected person
or items he or she
uses
Avoid
Avoid touching
your eyes with
unwashed hands.
Do not share
Do not share items
used by an
infected person;
for example, do
not share pillows,
washcloths,
towels, eye drops,
eye or face
makeup, makeup
brushes, contact
lenses, contact
lens storage
cases, or
eyeglasses.