The Pink Eye Problem

Your eye is puffy, pink, and there’s some discharge coming out of it. Not to mention your eye is itching like never before. It’s not a pretty situation.

More than likely, these symptoms are indicative of a common eye condition known as pink eye (or conjunctivitis). Pink eye occurs when eye tissues become inflamed and the blood vessels on the eye’s surface dilate. That’s what makes your eye appear pink or red.

Some other symptoms of pink eye include but are not limited to:

  • Redness
  • Irritation
  • Redness of eyelid
  • Discharge
  • Gritty feeling
  • Itchiness
  • Puffy eyes
  • Swollen lining of eyes
  • Watery eyes

Cause and Prevention Pink Eye from Spreading

Pink eye is caused either by viruses or bacteria, but during the cold and flu season, a virus is usually to blame. And as with any other virus, it’s not treatable with antibiotics.

Pink eye spreads hand-to-mouth through eye secretions. Individuals with pink eye tend to rub their eyes because of the irritation. When they come into contact with others’ hands through everyday actions (like handshaking or sharing a pen), the virus is transmitted.

Pink eye is notoriously contagious, but the truth is that conjunctivitis is no more easily spread than any other virus. The important thing with pink eye is to take precautionary measures:

  • Don’t share washcloths, towels, or pillowcases.
  • Don’t use others’ eye drops, cosmetics, or contact lens solution.
  • Wash your hands frequently and especially after touching or rubbing your eye.
  • Wear protective eye goggles when swimming in public pools.

If you think you or your child might have pink eye, get in touch with us at Vistar Eye Center. We’re happy to help you figure out what is affecting your eyes and how to treat the symptoms before it spreads to others in your family and community.