What is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)? Causes & Effective Prevention

What is Pink Eye?

Pink eye and its associated symptoms

Pink eye is the inflammation of the conjunctiva – the thin, transparent membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelids. When inflamed, blood vessels dilate, making the eyes appear red, accompanied by irritation, tearing, and increased discharge.

Common Causes of Pink Eye

Common Symptoms

• Red eyes, gritty sensation, feeling of dust in the eyes
• Obvious redness, swollen eyelids, sometimes small bumps on the conjunctiva
• Watery eyes, heavy discharge; eyelids stuck together in the morning
• Itchy eyes (especially in allergic types)
• Light sensitivity (glare, tearing in sunlight), temporary blurred vision
• May be accompanied by sore throat, mild fever, swollen lymph nodes near the ears (viral type), jaw pain, cough, nasal congestion, headache

It is important to note that these symptoms can be confused with more serious eye conditions such as corneal ulcers, acute glaucoma, or endophthalmitis. Therefore, it is advisable to see an eye specialist for an accurate diagnosis.

How Pink Eye Spreads

Pink eye can spread through airborne viruses

Pink eye caused by viruses or bacteria can spread very quickly, especially in crowded environments. Common transmission routes include:

• Respiratory droplets when in close contact with an infected person during coughing, sneezing, or talking
• Indirect contact by sharing towels, pillows, phones, toothbrushes, or other personal items of the patient
• Public surfaces such as doorknobs, desks, toys that may harbor pathogens
• Contact lenses that are not properly cleaned, allowing bacteria and viruses to adhere
• Eye rubbing with unwashed hands, or touching the nose and mouth, directly introducing pathogens into the eyes

In reality, in crowded places such as classrooms, offices, and dormitories, outbreaks of pink eye often increase significantly. According to the Ministry of Health, during outbreaks, infection rates can reach tens of percent within a small community, especially among children due to close contact habits and limited hygiene control.

Because of its high contagiousness, pink eye is classified as a disease prone to seasonal outbreaks. Preventive measures (frequent hand washing, avoiding shared personal items, limiting close contact during outbreaks) are just as important as treatment.

Quick Facts & Key Timelines

Note: The above timelines are for clinical reference. Doctors will adjust depending on severity, underlying conditions, age, and epidemiological context.

Is Pink Eye Dangerous?

Recovery time from pink eye varies by case

Most cases of pink eye are benign and self-resolve within 7–10 days. However, improper care (use of uncontrolled corticosteroids, wearing contact lenses while inflamed, poor hygiene) may lead to:

• Punctate keratitis, corneal ulcers
• Temporary or prolonged vision loss
• Rapid spread within families, classrooms, workplaces

Effective Ways to Prevent Pink Eye

1) Maintain hand–eye hygiene

• Wash hands with soap/hand sanitizer multiple times a day
• Avoid rubbing eyes; use clean tissues to gently wipe tears

2) Prevent cross-infection in families & schools

• Do not share towels, washbasins, eye makeup
• Wash bedding and towels with hot water if possible; dry in the sun
• Consider letting children stay home during early stages with heavy discharge and obvious redness

3) Protect eyes from triggers

• Wear glasses outdoors to reduce dust and wind; avoid swimming in unsafe water
• Avoid exposure to smoke, chemicals; follow workplace safety rules

4) Manage symptoms properly

• Clean eyes with 0.9% saline (single-use vials), keep discharge cleared
• Do not self-medicate with corticosteroid eye drops
• Visit an ophthalmologist if pain increases, vision blurs, light sensitivity worsens, or symptoms persist >10 days

Treatment of Pink Eye: Principles by Cause

• Viral: supportive care, eye hygiene, symptomatic medication as instructed; monitor progression for 7–10 days
• Bacterial: doctor-prescribed antibiotic eye drops; follow dosage and duration
• Allergic: avoid allergens, use prescribed anti-allergy medication; artificial tears may be combined