Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

What is conjunctivitis? 

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and lines the inside of the eyelids. 

What are the symptoms?

These are the most common symptoms of pink eye:

• Gritty sensation in one or both eyes.
• The eyes feel itchy and irritated.
• Swelling of the eyelids.
• Crusting of the eyelids and lashes, particularly in the morning.
• Teary, watery eyes.
• Eye discharge that may be yellow, green, white or clear.

The symptoms may seem like other medical issues. Always consult your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis.

What are the causes?

The most common causes are bacteria, viruses, and allergens.

Less common causes include irritants: 

• Contact lens wear
• Chemicals
• Foreign body in the eye such as eyelash
• Pollution 
• Fungi 
• Amoeba and parasites 

If conjunctivitis is suspected in a newborn, seek medical attention immediately. Newborns with pink eye may exhibit eye drainage within a few days to several weeks after birth, with their eyelids becoming puffy, red, and tender.

Determining the cause of pink eye in newborns can be challenging due to the similar symptoms associated with each potential cause:

• A blocked tear duct.
• Irritation from topical antimicrobials administered at birth.
• An infection transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.

Even mothers who show no symptoms at the time of delivery can carry and transmit bacteria or viruses to their babies during birth.

How does conjunctivitis spread?

Some types of viruses and bacteria are very contagious and can spread from person to person in various ways. 

• Close personal contact such as touching or shaking hands.
• Contact with droplets from cough or sneezes.
• Touching the eyes with hands contaminated by bacteria or virus.
• Using contaminated objects like towels, washcloths, or eye makeup.

How is it diagnosed?

Conjunctivitis is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests. 

Physical examination

• Eye examination: The doctor will examine the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding areas using a lighted instrument.
• Eyelid swelling and redness: Assessing the degree of swelling and redness in and around the eyes.
• Discharge: Observing the type and amount of discharge (clear, yellow, or green) from the eyes.

Additional tests (if needed)

• Eye swab: A sample of the eye discharge may be taken for laboratory analysis to identify the specific cause, such as bacteria or viruses.
• Fluorescein staining: A dye may be applied to the eye to look for corneal abrasions or other injuries.
• Blood tests: In rare cases, blood tests may be conducted to identify systemic infections or conditions.

How is it treated? 

The treatment of conjunctivitis depends on its cause—whether it is bacterial, viral, allergic, or irritant. Here are the common treatments for each type:

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointments: These are typically prescribed to eliminate the bacterial infection. Improvement is often seen within a few days.
• Hygiene measures: Patients are advised to maintain good hygiene, avoid touching the eyes, and wash hands frequently.

Viral Conjunctivitis

• Symptom management: Since viral conjunctivitis often resolves on its own, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.
• Artificial tears: To alleviate dryness and irritation.
• Cold compresses: To reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Antiviral medication: Rarely needed, except in severe cases caused by herpes simplex virus.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

• Avoiding allergens: Identifying and avoiding the allergen causing the reaction.
• Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines or antihistamine eye drops to reduce allergic reactions.
• Corticosteroids: In severe cases, short-term use of corticosteroid eye drops may be prescribed.

Irritant Conjunctivitis

• Flushing the eye: Rinsing the eye with saline or clean water to remove the irritant.
• Avoiding the irritant: Identifying and avoiding exposure to the irritant.
• Artificial tears: To soothe and lubricate the eyes.

General Care Tips

• Do not wear contact lenses until the conjunctivitis has resolved.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup.
• Wash hands frequently and avoid touching the eyes.
• Dispose of any eye makeup or lenses that were used during the infection to eliminate contamination.

If symptoms are severe or do not improve with over-the-counter treatments or if there is intense pain, vision problems, or sensitivity to light, seek medical attention immediately.

How to prevent conjunctivitis? 

This applies to if you are around someone with conjunctivitis and what are the steps you can follow to reduce your risk of infection:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. 
• Do not touch your eyes with unwashed hands.
• Avoid sharing items used by an infected individual; for example, pillows, washcloths, towels, eye or face makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses, contact lens storage cases, or eyeglasses.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Consult our doctors if you are experiencing symptoms of conjunctivitis. A dedicated and expert team of ophthalmologists at Pantai Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have concerns or questions regarding conjunctivitis. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.