September 2025 Newsletter: Conjunctivitis

What is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?

Conjunctivitis, also usually known as pink eye, is an infection with inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the clear membrane that covers the eye’s white part and the inside of the eyelids. Over time, most occurring symptoms are redness, swelling, irritation, and eye discharge. 

Types of Conjunctivitis:

1. Bacterial conjunctivitis: 

   1. Is less common but extremely contagious

   2. Causes sore, red eyes with sticky pus that oozes out of the eye

   3. Can be easily spread through hand-eye contact from person to person

2. Viral conjunctivitis: 

   1. Is most common and extremely contagious among both adults and children

   2. Causes burning, red eyes with watery discharge

   3. Typically, it’s caused by the same virus that cause colds

3. Allergic conjunctivitis: 

   1. Is not contagious at all

   2. Causes itchiness, redness, and watery discharge

   3. Can develop if one has an allergic reaction to something (ex. pollen, animals)

Stages of Conjunctivitis:

• Early Stage: 

  • Redness and swelling

  • Burning and itchy sensations

  • Pink eye may start in one eye and spread to the other later on

• Intermediate Stage:

  • Increased redness and swelling

  • More eye discharge which may turn different colors

  • Eyelid sticking and crusting 

  • Light sensitivity

• Late Stage:

  • Much less redness, swelling, and burning, itchy sensations

  • Much less eye discharge 

  • Improving symptoms

• Chronic Stage:

  • Persistent redness, irritation, and eye discharge after weeks

How does it Spread?

• Direct Contact: most common way through direct contact with eye discharge (ex. tears) from an infected person

• Crowded Environments: close proximity in crowded spaces such as schools and beds can facilitate direct spread

• Contaminated Surfaces: touching contaminated surfaces/objects such as washcloths, electronics, or towels and then touching one’s eyes can spread the infection

Getting Treated:

If you experience pink eye symptoms, see a doctor/healthcare professional immediately for a proper diagnosis (viral, bacterial, or allergic) to determine treatment. Viral conjunctivitis can be cleared on its own, bacterial conjunctivitis may need antibiotic eye drops, and allergic conjunctivitis may need topical steroids or antihistamines.

Physical Examination:

Diagnosis of conjunctivitis typically involves:

• Visual acuity test

• Eye inspection for common conjunctivitis symptoms

• Conjunctiva examination

• Slit-lamp usage for thorough inspection

Prevent Conjunctivitis Exposure:

• Use clean tissues or towels when you wipe your face

• Avoid touching your face/eyes to limit germ spread

• Don’t wear contact lens while you’re infected

• Don’t apply/wear makeup while you’re infected

• Wash your hands very often and thoroughly

Conjunctivitis is not uncommon, but it can be prevented with proper precautions! Continue to learn and spread your knowledge on eye conditions and their symptoms to keep yourself and others aware. Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse if you begin experiencing them. Get your eyes checked!