{"id":953,"date":"2017-12-11T07:38:39","date_gmt":"2017-12-11T07:38:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=953"},"modified":"2021-07-13T17:24:45","modified_gmt":"2021-07-13T17:24:45","slug":"10-common-causes-pink-eye","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/10-common-causes-pink-eye\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Common Causes of Pink Eye"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Pink eye or conjunctivitis can have a number of causes, including viruses, bacteria, and allergies. The type of symptoms that develop may depend on the source of the infection. Some types of conjunctivitis, such as bacterial or viral infections are highly contagious, whereas those caused by allergens are not. In addition, fungus and parasites can also cause conjunctivitis, especially after exposure to unclean conditions and infected areas or bedding. Chemicals and pollution can lead to an irritation in the eye that can develop into a more serious problem.<\/p>\n

Also troubling are infections in other parts of the body, such as the ears, that can spread to the eyes. It is important to be alert to symptoms of conjunctivitis, especially among children who are more likely to develop pinkeye. A pinkish tone in the eye, watery discharge, itchiness, and crusts in the eye area are common signs. Cold and flu symptoms can also indicate conjunctivitis, so be aware that one condition can lead to another. Pink eye spreads quickly from one person to the other, and yet it is not airborne. Those who have this ailment should avoid contact with others who can catch the infection and should dispose of kleenexes properly.<\/p>\n

1. Viruses<\/h3>\n

Conjunctivitis<\/a> or pink eye can be caused by viruses and which spread readily from person to person and even from one area of the body to the other. The virus that causes pinkeye, the adenovirus, is the same one that can cause colds and flu and is highly contagious. Viral pinkeye has different symptoms than when the condition is caused by bacteria. In fact, the term \u201cpinkeye\u201d is derived from the viral form of conjunctivitis, which can cause the eye to look pink or reddish. Other forms do not alter the color of the eye. Viral pink eye is characterized by a thin, watery discharge and discoloration.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Bacteria<\/h3>\n

Bacterial pinkeye<\/a> may not change the color of the eye at all, but it is often accompanied by a thick yellowish or greenish discharge. The bacteria may also create crusts on the eye when the discharge dries.<\/p>\n

There are a number of types of bacteria that cause this condition, and it is more common among children than adults.<\/p>\n

In fact, it is a leading cause of children missing school, and the bacteria are often present in kindergartens and primary schools.<\/p>\n

For this reason, children should be taught to wash their hands frequently and to avoid touching their fingers to their eyes.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Contact with Someone With Conjunctivitis<\/h3>\n

If you are suffering from conjunctivitis, it is important to avoid allowing others to touch objects that you use, particularly those that have touched your eyes. Dispose of kleenexes in a bag that cannot reach other people.<\/p>\n

The virus<\/a>es and bacteria that cause this ailment are not airborne, so they cannot be spread through coughs, but they can spread readily through touching someone with the illness or rubbing a surface touched by them.<\/p>\n

To avoid catching this illness, avoid contact with people who have pinkeye.<\/p>\n

It is important to keep kids home from school if you suspect that they may have conjunctivitis to avoid other children from catching it.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Pollutants<\/h3>\n

Many cities around the world have poor air quality and are seriously affected by pollution.<\/p>\n

The result of this problem includes respiratory problems and eye infections<\/a>. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these problems. The smog in the air enters the eye and creates an irritation that may cause redness and watery discharge.<\/p>\n

In serious cases, contact with certain acids may create permanent eye disorders. While many cities in developed countries don\u2019t have dangerously high levels of pollutants, it is important to be aware of the ways in which smog and other pollutants can affect your eyes and to take precautions.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Foreign objects in the Eye<\/h3>\n

A jab in the eye caused by a foreign object can cause damage and also lead to infection after the immediate problem is taken care of. This is not only the case with a sizeable object, but can even involve something as simple as an eyelash.<\/p>\n

In this case, the redness is often dismissed as the result of contact with the foreign object, but if it does not go away and is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a sign that an infection is developing.<\/p>\n

Pain, itchiness, eye discharge, and fever are indications that the intrusion of an object may have caused an infection<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Fungus<\/h3>\n

Pinkeye or conjunctivitis can be caused by a fungus<\/a>, particularly candida.<\/p>\n

The source of the infection may begin with exposure to impure water while swimming or sharing cosmetics with someone who has a fungal eye infection. The fungus may be introduced into the eye from spores that may be present in the air in the spring or the summer.<\/p>\n

When the fungus takes hold in the eye, it can cause redness and other symptoms associated with conjunctivitis. This condition can be treated with medication and it is important to get medical attention right away.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Parasites<\/h3>\n

The eye is a fairly exposed and vulnerable part of the body and it can readily develop infections from the environment. Parasites<\/a> can enter the eye and cause infections through unclean water and sharing objects with people who also are affected by parasites.<\/p>\n

The parasites may reproduce rapidly and make the problem more severe. Another culprit that may introduce parasites into the eye is contact lenses.<\/p>\n

It is important to clean contact lenses thoroughly before and after use to avoid the introduction of parasites that can cause conjunctivitis. Keeping your home and bedding clean is another way to kill parasites that can cause a host of problems.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Allergies<\/h3>\n

There is a host of potential causes of conjunctivitis among those who suffer from allergies<\/a>. Mites, pets, pollen, weeds, cosmetics, and many other things can lead to eye irritation and infection.<\/p>\n

This condition is not contagious and is more common among people who are affected by other types of allergic conditions, such as eczema and asthma.<\/p>\n

As with other allergies, allergic conjunctivitis can occur seasonally and can be more prevalent when the person who is affected is dealing with other allergies. The allergens can exist indoors or outdoors.<\/p>\n

To avoid allergic conjunctivitis, look for how the things you are ordinarily sensitive to affect your eyes.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Chemicals<\/h3>\n

Exposure to chemicals<\/a> may not only irritate the eye temporarily but can cause conjunctivitis.<\/p>\n

Those who work with chemicals at their jobs should wear special goggles to protect their eyes. The fumes from chemicals may be enough to affect the eye or damage caused to the eye by direct contact with chemicals can lead to pinkeye.<\/p>\n

The eyes may have a pink or reddish tint shortly after exposure, but if it does not go away, it may indicate an infection. Look for other signs of conjunctivitis, such as watery discharge and itchiness in the eye.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Other Infections<\/h3>\n

Bacteria and viruses from ear infections may find their way into the eye, especially among children who may not wash their hands properly and are prone to rub their fingers over their eyes after touching their noses and ears. Not only are these infections spread readily among children at school, but they can go from one area of the body to another quickly.<\/p>\n

Urging children to wash their hands frequently, dispose of tissues properly, and avoid rubbing their eyes can prevent an infection from spreading to the eyes.<\/p>\n

If a child has a cold<\/a>, flu, or ear infection, look for conjunctivitis symptoms such as a pinkish tone to the eye and watery discharge.<\/p>\n\r\n

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