Pink Eye (cont.)
What noninfectious conditions cause pink eye, what are noninfectious pink eye symptoms, and how are they treated?
Allergic pink eye
Allergic pink eye symptoms and signs are usually accompanied by intense itching, tearing, and swelling of the eye membranes. Frequent causes include seasonal pollens, animal dander, and dust. It is frequently seasonal and accompanied by other typical allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose, or scratchy throat. Cold, moist washcloths applied to the eyes and over-the-counter decongestant eyedrops can provide relief. Your doctor can prescribe stronger medications if these remedies are not adequate.
Chemical pink eye
Chemical pink eye can result when any irritating substance enters the eyes.
Common offending irritants are
- household cleaners,
- sprays of any kind,
- smoke,
- foreign objects in the eye,
- smog, and
- industrial pollutants.
Prompt, thorough washing of the eyes with very large amounts of water is very important if an irritating substance enters the eye. Your doctor or your local poison control center should be contacted at once, even if you think the irritant or chemical is safe, as some of the most common household products like bleach and furniture polish can be very damaging.
Underlying diseases
Persistent pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be a sign of an underlying illness in the body. Most often these are rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Conjunctivitis is also seen in Kawasaki's disease (a rare disease associated with fever in infants and young children) and certain inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Subconjuctival hemorrhage
Bright redness of the whites of the eyes can also occur when the
tiny blood vessels covering the whites of the eyes rupture from
trauma or changes in pressure within the head (for example, after
forceful laughing or vomiting, when diving under water, or even
bending upside down). This condition is called subconjunctival
hemorrhage, and while it can appear frightening, it is generally
harmless. It causes a local area of the white portion of the eye (the sclera) to become brilliantly reddened. It does not typically involve the colored portion of the eye (the iris) and does not affect vision.
How can I prevent the spread of pink eye?
Infectious forms of pink eye are highly contagious and are spread by direct
contact with infected people. If you or your child has infectious pink eye,
avoid touching the eye area and wash your hands frequently, particularly after
applying medications to the eye area. Never share towels or handkerchiefs, and
throw away tissues after each use. Disinfecting surfaces like countertops,
sinks, and doorknobs can also help prevent the spread of infectious pink eye.
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be due to infectious or
noninfectious causes.
- Infectious pink eye is highly contagious.
- Infectious pink eye can be caused by bacteria
or viruses.
- Avoiding contact with infected people, disinfection of household surfaces,
and good hygienic practices can help prevent the spread of infectious pink eye.
- Noninfectious pink eye can be caused by allergy,
chemical irritation, underlying inflammatory diseases, or trauma.
Last Editorial Review: 6/19/2009
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