Conjunctivitis: What Is Pink Eye? – Forbes Health

There are four main types of conjunctivitis: viral, allergic, bacterial and chemical. However, there are other, less common types such as immune-mediated and contact lens-related conjunctivitis.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form of pink eye, accounting for around 80% of cases. It's caused by a virus, such as the common cold. It may affect both eyes and can be spread through contact with an infected person's discharge, coughing or sneezing.

"Any virus that causes a cold or respiratory flu can also land in the eye and cause pink eye," explains Arthur Lavin, M.D., FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Beachwood, Ohio.

According to Dr. Lavin, some of the most common viruses causing viral conjunctivitis include:

Adenovirus (a virus that typically causes colds)
Influenza
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Rhinovirus (another virus that can cause colds)

Children are most susceptible to viral conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious in schools and daycare centers. "Since kids get more colds, they get more pink eye, too," adds Dr. Lavin.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to certain irritants, such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites. It usually affects both eyes and is not contagious like some other forms. The discharge associated with allergic conjunctivitis is usually clear and watery—unlike the thick discharge associated with bacterial conjunctivitis.

Because allergens are more common in spring and summer, allergic conjunctivitis is more likely to occur during these times. This form may appear as an immediate response to an allergen, or it may happen hours or days later. The best way to prevent and treat this type of conjunctivitis is to avoid the allergens that cause it.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacterial infections and can affect one or both eyes. When bacteria affect the eye, it can cause redness and swelling of the conjunctiva. Like viral conjunctivitis, this form is contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or sharing items such as towels, pillows and makeup.  Unlike viral conjunctivitis which usually has a thin, watery discharge, bacterial conjunctivitis causes a very thick mucus discharge.

The most common bacteria causing bacterial conjunctivitis in children include:

Haemophilus influenza
Streptococcus pneumonia
Moraxella catarrhalis

The most common bacteria causing bacterial conjunctivitis in adults include:

Staphylococcal aureus
Streptococcus pneumonia
Haemophilus influenzae

In infants, N. gonorrhoeae is the most common bacteria causing bacterial conjunctivitis. This bacteria usually progresses quickly and can lead to more serious eye conditions if left untreated.

Bacterial pink eye is most common from December to April. It typically lasts between seven and 10 days but may have a shorter duration if treated with antibiotics within the first few days of developing symptoms.

Chemical Conjunctivitis

Chemical conjunctivitis is an eye irritation caused by exposure to a chemical or irritant, such as chlorine from swimming pools or air pollution. This type of pink eye is not contagious and usually subsides within a few days.

Flushing the eye with saline will help reduce the irritation. People who wear contacts should remove their lenses and speak with an optometrist or ophthalmologist if their eyes become overly irritated, red or painful. You may need to switch to a different type of lens or solution, or stop wearing contact lenses altogether.

Sometimes, emergency medical attention is necessary if there is a severe reaction to the chemical irritant. Getting highly acidic or highly alkaline chemicals into the eye can cause serious risk of permanent vision loss, so initiate flushing the eye with an eye wash and immediately seek medical care.

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