Causes of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as Pink Eye, is a conjunctiva inflammation caused by viral, bacterial, or allergic reactions. Conjunctiva is the transparent membrane covering the eye ball and eyelid. When the blood vessels in conjunctiva get swollen and irritated, they become more evident and cause the white of the eyes to appear reddish or pink. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by chemical splashes, foreign objects, autoimmune conditions, and sexually transmitted infections. Symptoms include red or pink eyes, itching, tearing, inflammation, and discharge. Early detection and certain precautions can help limit its spread. Treatment can help relieve symptoms. Most cases of conjunctivitis are seasonal and resolve on their own, but if you notice vision problems or other complications, seek medical help. Read on to know about the causes of conjunctivitis in detail.

Causes

This includes:

• Viral and Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Most cases of conjunctivitis are caused by adenovirus; it can also be caused by herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus. Wearing contact lenses that aren't cleaned properly or aren't your own can cause bacterial conjunctivitis. Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can occur along with colds or symptoms of respiratory infections like a sore throat. Both forms of conjunctivitis are highly contagious and spread through direct/indirect contact through the fluid that drains from an infected person’s eye. Conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes.

• Allergic Conjunctivitis

This condition affects both eyes and is caused by an allergic reaction to substances such as pollen. When your body encounters allergens, it produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which triggers the release of inflammatory substances, including histamines. The release of histamines can cause various allergy symptoms, including red or pink eyes. Some common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include tearing, intense itching, and inflammation of the eyes, along with sneezing and watery nasal discharge. However, most cases of allergic conjunctivitis can be effectively treated with anti-allergy eye drops. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

• Conjunctivitis Due to Irritation

Conjunctivitis can be caused by chemical splashes or foreign objects in the eye. The symptoms resolve by itself within a day. However, if flushing your eye does not alleviate the symptoms, you must consult an eye specialist. A chemical splash can lead to permanent eye damage, and ongoing symptoms may indicate the presence of a foreign body or a scratch on the cornea or conjunctiva.

• Autoimmune conditions

Diseases that cause your immune system to overreact are a rare cause of pink eye.

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

A virus (herpes simplex) or bacteria (gonorrhoea or chlamydia) can cause STIs, causing pink eye in both adults and newborns.

• Blocked Tear Duct

Blocked or incompletely opened tear ducts in babies can also cause conjunctivitis.