Pink Eye

Acute Allergic Conjunctivitis: Itchiness, irritation, and swollen lids are key symptoms.

Viral Conjunctivitis: Often associated with an infected upper respiratory tract, sore throats, or the common cold, where a watery discharge and itchiness are main symptoms. Usually, the infection starts with one eye and can easily travel to the other.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: A pus-producing bacteria can set up shop in the eyes, causing various colored discharge to develop. Severe crusting often appears in infected eyes and surrounding skin. Some patients experience pain. It is not uncommon for an infection of this sort to lay dormant for three days before showing any signs.

Irritant Conjunctivitis: Pain and irritation increases when an infected eye points up or down. While itchy eyes and discharge are usually not a typical symptom, conjunctivitis caused by an irritant is one of the most painful forms of pink eye.

Risk Factors and Negative Effects

When it comes to pink eye, children seem to face the most cases of viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. To make matters worse, both forms are highly contagious with infected individuals able to pass on the condition for seven to 14 days after their signs and symptoms first rear their ugly head. This means that children must stay home from school and adults must take time off from work. Family and friends are kept at arm’s length to avoid passing on the infection.