Pink eye,[conjunctivitis]

How Do You Get Conjunctivitis?

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can be quite contagious. The most common ways to get the contagious form of pink eye include:

Direct contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, usually through hand-to-eye contact.
Spread of the infection from bacteria living in the person's own nose and sinuses.
Not cleaning contact lenses properly. Using poorly fitting contact lenses or decorative contacts are risks as well.
Children are the people most likely to get pink eye from bacteria or viruses. This is because they are in close contact with so many others in school or day care centers. Also, they don't practice good hygiene.

How Do I Know If I'm Getting Pink Eye?
Inflamed conjunctiva of pink eye

Your pink eye symptoms may include:

the feeling that something is in your eye, or a gritty sensation in your eye
red eyes
burning eyes
itchy eyes
painful eyes (this is usually with the bacterial form)
watery eyes
puffy eyelids
blurry or hazy vision
being extra sensitive to light
lots of mucus, pus, or thick yellow discharge from your eye. There can be so much that your eyelashes stick together.
What Is the Best Treatment for Conjunctivitis?
Treating your pink eye usually depends on the type of conjunctivitis you have.

There is no specific treatment for conjunctivitis caused by most viruses. Your body fights the virus on its own. Placing a cool, wet washcloth on your eyes can help make them feel more comfortable.
If your pink eye is caused by a bacterial infection, your ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, depending on how severe your symptoms are. Antibiotics do not treat an infection caused by a virus or by allergy.
If your conjunctivitis is due to allergies, you might be told to use certain eye drops to help with the itchiness and puffiness.
Sometimes conjunctivitis can be caused by a chemical or other substance in your eye. In this case, rinse the eye free of the substance. You might be told to use certain eye drops or ointment for the eyes.
Conjunctivitis usually goes away on its own within 1–2 weeks. If your symptoms last longer than that, you should see your ophthalmologist. He or she can make sure you don't have a more serious eye problem.