Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, affects the mucous membrane along the inner eyelid and the surface of the eye. The membrane is usually clear in color, but when it is infected, it makes the eye look pink, giving it its nickname. There are several common signs of pink eye, which can occur in one or both eyes, and some depend on whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus. Some of the symptoms include eye swelling and redness, itchiness and grittiness, discharge or excess tearing, and sensitivity to light. In severe cases, pink eye can also cause fever and vision problems such as blurred vision.
One of major signs of pink eye is when the whites of the eye look pink or red. The eyelids might swell up, turn red, and appear bloated due to inflammation. The infected eye might also be painful or have itchy or stinging sensations. Some people experience a gritty feeling like there is a foreign object, such as sand, in the eye.
Another one of the common signs of pink eye is discharge from the eye. When pink eye is caused by a virus, the discharge is typically clear, and with bacterial pink eye, the discharge is usually yellow or greenish in color. The discharge accumulates while sleeping, and it can form a crust that sticks the eye shut, making it difficult to open upon waking. A warm washcloth applied to the eye can wipe away the crustiness. In addition to discharge, one might have excess tearing, particularly with viral pink eye.
Some signs of pink eye that are less common include sensitivity to bright lights, small bumps on the eyelid, and possibly a tender lymph node in front of the ear. There are also a few serious signs of pink eye that occur in severe cases. These include fever and chills, pain in the face, and painful urination. Additionally, vision problems like loss of vision or blurred vision can sometimes happen.
If one has signs of pink eye, it is recommended to seek medical attention, as the infection is highly contagious for a long as two weeks after the signs begin. A diagnosis is also important because the signs can be similar to more serious eye diseases that can cause blindness. A doctor will typically prescribe an antibiotic medication or eye drops for bacterial pink eye, and the patient can generally return to school or work after 24 hours on the antibiotic. Viral pink eye symptoms often improve within three to five days without medication.