Conjunctivitis is the medical term used to refer to pink eye. When the conjunctiva, which is a transparent membrane that covers the eyeball and eyelid, becomes inflamed it is referred to as “pink eye”. The blood vessels that line the conjunctiva become irritated and swollen which makes them more visible and pink in colour. The whites of the eyes start to take on a pinkish hue.
Conjunctivitis is usually caused by a viral infection but on rare occasions, it can also occur as a result of an allergic reaction or bacterial infection. Babies often suffer from conjunctivitis when the tear duct fails to completely open.
Pink eye is a highly contagious virus. Viruses that lead to conjunctivitis include adenovirus, varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex. The virus spreads through both indirect and direct contact with any liquid from the infected eye or eyes.
Medications used to treat pink eye focus on easing discomfort.
Viral conjunctivitis does not respond to antibiotic treatment. Usually, the virus must run its course which takes from two to three weeks.
Antibiotics to treat pink eye include:
Antiviral drugs may cause a variety of side effects such as fatigue, cough, diarrhoea, dry mouth, headaches, insomnia, skin rash, joint pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Antibiotics can cause nausea, vomiting, yeast infections, rash, and diarrhoea. Antihistamines can cause sleepiness, loss of coordination, poor judgement, slowed reaction speeds, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating.
The first step in treating conjunctivitis is for your healthcare provider to determine if the cause of the pink eye is viral, bacterial, or a result of allergies. Once the underlying cause of the pink eye has been determined, the doctor can prescribe medication to help bring relief.