“What does pink eye look like? Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for conjunctivitis. Discover how to identify and manage pink eye effectively.”

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition characterized by redness, inflammation, and irritation of the conjunctiva—the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of the eye. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants.

👉 For more details, visit Wikipedia’s page on conjunctivitis

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What Does Pink Eye Look Like?

Pink eye typically has the following visible symptoms:

• Red or pink discoloration of the whites of the eyes
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Watery or thick discharge, which may cause the eyelids to stick together, especially in bacterial cases
• Crusty residue around the eyes after waking up
• Irritation or itchiness, often accompanied by a gritty feeling

Photos of Pink Eye:
Visual symptoms vary based on the type of conjunctivitis:

• Viral conjunctivitis: Red, watery eyes with clear discharge.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Redness with yellow or green discharge.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Red, itchy eyes, often with swelling and watery discharge.

💡 Always consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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Causes of Pink Eye

1. Viral Infections
   • Highly contagious.
   • Often accompanied by symptoms like a runny nose or sore throat.
2. Bacterial Infections
   • Spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
   • Requires antibiotics for treatment.
3. Allergic Reactions
   • Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
   • Not contagious.
4. Irritants
   • Caused by exposure to smoke, chemicals, or chlorine in pools.

📖 Read more about pink eye causes at the American Academy of Ophthalmology

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How to Treat and Prevent Pink Eye

Treatment Options:

• Viral conjunctivitis: Symptom relief with warm compresses and artificial tears.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Antihistamine eye drops and avoiding allergens.

Prevention Tips:

• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your eyes with unclean hands.
• Do not share personal items like towels, makeup, or eye drops.

📌 Pro Tip: Replace contact lenses and makeup after recovering from pink eye to avoid reinfection.

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FAQs About Pink Eye

• Can pink eye clear up on its own?
  Yes, viral and mild bacterial cases may resolve without treatment, but severe cases need medical attention.
• How long does pink eye last?
  Most cases resolve within 7–10 days, but bacterial cases may clear faster with antibiotics.
• Is pink eye contagious?
  Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious, while allergic and irritant conjunctivitis are not.