Pink Eye: Common Symptoms and Simple Home Remedies That You Can Try Today

A typical Pink Eye is generally harmless. In fact, a pink eye usually heals on its own after a couple of days. However, there is more to this pesky eye ailment that you must know. After all, shouldn’t we look beyond what meets the eye?

Continue reading this article to know more about its causes and solutions.

What is Pink Eye? Causes and Common Symptoms.

Pink eye or scientifically referred to as Conjunctivitis, happens when the Conjunctiva suffers with an inflammation.

The Conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers and protects the inner part of the eyes, its white surfaces, and some parts of the eyelids.

In common cases, Pink Eye lasts upto two weeks. However, in rare and serious cases, it can last until a month or so.

For one to get Pink Eye, various causes are involved. Here are some of them, according to the National Eye Institute of the US.

Viral Infections. The adenovirus and herpes virus are most common types of viruses that cause Pink Eye. Sometimes, the viruses that cause colds, sore throat, and respiratory tract infection causes Pink Eye as well.
Bacterial Infections. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Haemophilus can cause PInk Eye. These same bacteria can cause cough and cold, pimples and other other skin infections, and influenza.
Allergic Reactions. A Pink Eye can also be caused by a number of allergens such as; pollen from plants and household flowers, mold spores, household dust, animal fur and dander, chemical scents and aerosol sprays.
Irritation from personal products. Irritants that can cause Pink Eye are as follows: shampoo, conditioner, facial foam and cleanser, cosmetics, etc.

If you believe that you caught Pink Eye, find out if you are suffering from the following symptoms:

-Your conjunctiva is swollen or inflamed and there is a visible redness on the white parts of your eyes, as well as your eyelids.

-When you wake up, a yellow (sometimes white or even green) discharge crusts over the eyelashes, making it difficult to open your eye widely and immediately after you wake up. Also, you tear up easily.

– Your eyes and its surrounding areas may be itchy, with some burning sensation.

– Your vision is blurred, and you are more sensitive to light.

– Some of your lymph nodes are swollen, since the lymph nodes help the body in fighting viral infection.

If you experience any of these, don’t hesitate to take some time off. Make sure to use clean beddings and eye wear. Also, avoid touching babies and other people who you suspect to have a low immune system.

Types of Pink Eye

There are several types of Pink Eye.

Here are five of them. You can view more types of Pink Eye in All About Vision.

Non-infectious conjunctivitis. Smoke, car emission, perfumes and colognes, and other synthetic materials can cause a noninfectious Pink Eye. The eyes turn pink or reddish as a reaction to foreign bodies that irritated the surface of the eyes.

Neonatal conjunctivitis. A neonatal conjunctivitis is only found in babies and infants. If left untreated, pink eye in infants can cause blindness.

Neonatal pink eye is usually passed on from the mother to the child during childbirth. The Women who have sexually transmitted diseases are at the highest risk for this type of pink eye.

Bacterial conjunctivitis. This type of pink eye is the most common out of all the other types. Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are among the most common bacteria that causes Pink Eye.

Bacterial Pink Eye is very contagious. Contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, individuals can lead to infection. Once you get infected, expect a thick discharge coming from your eyes (sometimes pus, from one or both eyes).

Antibiotics are necessary to remove the bacteria from your system. These antibiotics can be in the form of eye drops and ointments.

[Read: Eye Exams 101: A Quick Guide to Eye Exams and their Importance.]

Viral conjunctivitis. A Pink Eye that is caused by a virus is highly contagious as well. Viruses can spread through sneezing and coughing.

Even if one eye is affected, there is a huge possibility that the infection can spread through the other eye.

Remember that viral infections can not be treated by antibiotics. Usually, viral infections heal on their own, after a week or two.

Allergic conjunctivitis. A Pink Eye that is caused by an allergic reaction is called Allergic Conjunctivitis. Common allergens include: pollen, smoke, dust mites, and animal fur.

A usual symptom for Allergic Conjunctivitis is an intense itchiness in the eye area.

If you are experiencing this type of Pink Eye, It is important that the eye area is kept clean, so that no further allergen or worse, infection, can go into your eye worsen the situation.

Talk to your doctor for the appropriate medication. Avoid dropping or washing your eyes with breast milk, herbal juices, and other liquids that are not reviewed by medical institutions.

Home-made Remedies for Pink Eye

As mentioned above, people who suffer from Pink Eye is likely to experience itchiness and other uncomfortable and often overwhelming experiences.

To soothe and comfort the person with Pink Eye, here are some home remedies that you can try, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

Take some over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen. This can help soothe the uneasiness of the affected person.
To moisturize the eyes, use some drops of over-the-counter lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to the affected eye.
Wet a clean sanitized wash cloth with warm water, and then squeeze the warm water, making sure that the wash cloth doesn’t drip.. Put it on top of the eye area. Make sure to use individual wash cloths for each eye
Never ever wash or splash liquids that may irritate the eyes. With the rise of pseudo-medical blogs, breast milk, herbal plants and weird concoctions are advertised as the ‘ultimate’ cure to quickly removing Pink Eye.
The truth is, these products do not have enough research to back-up their claims. What’s worse is that it can introduce more infection to the eye, making the inflammation worse.
If you have used the liquids discussed in number 4, immediately wash your eyes with clean running water..

[Read: Healthy Recipes for a Good Eyesight That You Can Easily Prepare at Home.]

Five Tips for a quick recovery from Pink Eye

Here are some tips for a quick recovery from Pink Eye.

It is crucial that you clean-up and sanitize your personal belongings, especially those that get near the eyes, such as your eyeglasses, contact lenses, pillows, handkerchiefs, etc.
If you suspect that the Pink Eye is caused by an allergic reaction, visit your Ophthalmologist and get an expert advice on how to treat the Pink Eye.Also, it would be helpful if you avoid places that potentially expose you to allergens.
It is also very important that you take off your contact lenses before you go to sleep.
Avoid wearing eye makeup (all types of makeup, if possible).
Get at least eight hours, (and we mean eight full hours) of sleep each day.This will give your eyes the adequate time to heal and recharge after a day full of exhaustive work.

[Read: Good habits that preserve your eyesight]

Fun Facts related to Pink Eye

[Read: Good Habits to Preserve Your Eyesight ]

Here are some facts about Pink Eye:

-According to the National Eye Institute, at least 3 million people get Pink Eye in the United States alone.

-Eating foods that are rich in Vitamin A are good for the eyes. One indicator is the yellow color of this food. -Pumpkin, Banana, and Sweet Potato are among these kind of food.

[Read: Superfoods That Help Maintain Good Eyesight]

– Pink Eye is the most common eye problem that kids can have.