Symptoms and Treatment of Pink Eye

            Pinkeye (also called conjunctivitis) is redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. The lining of the eye is usually clear. If irritation or infection occurs, the lining becomes red and swollen" (Web MD). According to Gary Heiting, basicallanyone can get pink eye, but it is most common in young school children, the teachers of those children, daycare workers, and college students. There are three types of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial, allergic. .
             Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, like a common cold. This type of conjunctivitis is extremely contagious. Although contagious, it can usually clear up on its own in several days without medical treatment. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria and can be the source of severe damage to the eye if left untreated. Lastly, allergic conjunctivitis is caused by eye aggravations such as pollen, dust, and animal hair among those predisposed individuals. This kind of pink eye could be seasonal or year round (Heiting, Frank).
             According to EMedTV, "With bacterial and viral conjunctivitis (pink eye), transmission occurs through direct contact with the secretions from an infected eye, or contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with these secretions. The virus or bacteria can be transmitted when an infected person touches their eye and then touches another surface. Symptoms tend to develop one to three days after transmission occurs." Contaminated surfaces such as bedding, pillows, towels, washcloths, eye makeup, tissues, contact lenses, etc. The virus or bacteria can be spread when the infected individual touches their eye, then touches another surface, like a door handle. It can be spread when sharing an object that has touched their eye, such as a washcloth or pillow. Viral Conjunctivitis can also be spread by coughing and sneezing. After transmission, a person does not develop pink eye immediately.