Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Business man in glasses rubbing his eyes

Pink eye is a common term for anything that can cause the eye to become red. Conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye) is an inflammation of the thin membrane which lubricates and protects the eye.

One type of pink eye is a bacterial infection of this area, which most often causes eyelid swelling and a yellow discharge. It is itchy and causes eyelid matting. It is also very contagious. It is passed from person to person after the infected person rubs their eye then infects towels, handkerchiefs, pillows, etc.

The chief complaints associated with bacterial conjunctivitis are red, watery eyes, inflammation of the eyelids, scratchy sensation in the eye, discharge and matting around the eyelids.

Common treatments for bacterial conjunctivitis include antibiotic eye drops and warm compresses. In some cases, oral antibiotics are also prescribed.