The two most common pink eye causes are a viral infection or an allergic reaction. This eMedTV resource discusses other possible causes and describes viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and allergic conjunctivitis in more detail.
Common symptoms of pink eye include discharge, morning crusting, and swelling of the eyelids. This eMedTV resource provides a list of other possible symptoms and explains which signs may indicate a serious condition and require medical attention.
Generally, transmission of pink eye occurs through direct contact with infected eye secretions. This eMedTV Web page further covers how bacterial or viral conjunctivitis is transmitted and explains how long it typically takes before symptoms begin.
The pink eye incubation will vary, depending on whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus. As this eMedTV segment explains, the incubation period typically ranges from 12 hours to three days, depending on the particular cause of pink eye.
As this page of the eMedTV library explains, viral pink eye may last for up to three weeks, bacterial conjunctivitis improves quickly after starting antibiotics, and allergic pink eye may start to improve within 24 hours of treatment.
A pink eye diagnosis is typically made based on a physical exam and an analysis of symptoms. This eMedTV page lists the questions your doctor may ask when diagnosing this condition and describes the tests that are used to determine the cause.
Eyedrops, ointments, and warm or cool compresses are often used to treat pink eye. This article from the eMedTV archives describes in detail specific treatment options for viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and allergic conjunctivitis.
There are many types of pink eye medicines, including over-the-counter products and prescription drugs. This eMedTV segment lists common home remedies for the condition and explains which prescription antibiotics are available.
Pink eye often gets better on its own, or it can be easily treated with medicine. This segment from the eMedTV library explains when to see your doctor for pink eye and includes a list of symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition.
You can help prevent the transmission of pink eye by practicing good hygiene. As this page on the eMedTV Web site explains, good strategies to prevent pink eye also focus on minimizing any contact with secretions or contaminated surfaces.
Your doctor may recommend several different home remedies for pink eye. This portion of the eMedTV Web site explores the various types of home treatment and explains how you can help prevent the transmission of pink eye.
As this page on the eMedTV site explains, pink eye is contagious for up to 14 days, in the case of viral conjunctivitis, and up to 24 hours after an antibiotic is started with bacterial conjunctivitis. Ways to minimize spread of infection are included.
Pink eye is a condition that can affect both adults and children. As this eMedTV article explains, however, pink eye in adults is less common than pink eye in children because adults are better at preventing infection by practicing good hygiene.
Pink eye is a condition in which the conjunctiva (a tissue in the eye) becomes inflamed. This page from the eMedTV archives explores the causes of this condition, lists common symptoms, and explains how it is diagnosed and treated.
