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Conjuntivitis
Conjuntivitis ("pink-eye")

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. The inflamed conjunctiva will appear red or pink due to irritated and enlarged blood vessels.

There are a number of causes of conjunctivitis.

  • Bacterial conjunctivitis is generally accompanied by a discharge from the eye with crusting of the eyelashes.
  • Viral conjunctivitis produces a watery discharge and may accompany the common cold. True "pink-eye", an infectious viral conjunctivitis, is quite contagious and may involve conjunctival hemorrhages.
  • Allergic conjunctivitis, as found in hay fever and other allergies, can make the eyes itchy or cause a chronic red eye.
  • Environmental irritants such as dust, smoke or fumes may cause conjunctivitis.

Washcloths and towels should not be shared when suffering bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. Handwashing will also help prevent the spread of this infection.