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Conjunctivitis
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Conjunctivitis is the term to describe inflammation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of red or "pink" eye.
The white of the eye (sclera) is covered by a thin, filmy membrane called the conjunctiva, which produces mucus to coat and lubricate the surface of the eye. It normally has fine blood vessels within it, which can be seen on close inspection. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated, or inflamed, the blood vessels which supply it enlarge and become much more prominent, and the eye turns red.
Causes
Many different sources of eye irritation can cause conjunctivitis. The most common are infections, allergies, and environmental irritants. Because the conjunctiva is a simple tissue, it responds to all these stimuli in one way: it turns red.
Infectious causes of conjunctivitis include bacteria and viruses. Bacterial infections, such as staphylococcus or streptococcus, cause a red eye which is associated with considerable amounts of pus. If the amount of discharge from the eye is great, an acute infection is likely, and prompt consultation with an ophthalmologist is advisable.
Viruses are also common causes of conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a watery discharge and lasts from one to two weeks.
Infectious conjunctivitis, whether bacterial or viral, can be quite contagious, so contact with the patient's tears through used handkerchiefs and towels should be avoided. Hand washing after contact with the patient helps to prevent spread of the infection.
Caution
There are several eye diseases which also produce a red eye and which can lead to blindness unless recognized and treated. It is important to avoid confusing them with conjunctivitis, so a medical evaluation of a red eye by an ophthalmologist is recommended. This is particularly important if pain, blurred vision, or severe light sensitivity are present, since there symptoms are not typically found in simple conjunctivitis.
Your ophthalmologist at Fort Worth Eye Associates can provide you with more information specific to your case. The above information is not intended to replace a personal exam, medical diagnosis, and/or complete treatment description by an ophthalmologist.
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