What Is Pink Eye?
Jun 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen You
Introduction
Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) is primarily caused by viruses or bacteria. It is highly contagious—particularly when due to adenovirus infection—which may lead to disease outbreaks. The main clinical symptoms include conjunctival injection (eye redness), tearing, and ocular discharge. In cases of secondary bacterial infection, copious purulent, yellow-green discharge is typically observed. A small number of patients may also present with preauricular lymphadenopathy. The primary mode of transmission is direct contact.
Conjunctivitis (commonly known as “pink eye”) is an acute, contagious ocular inflammation. Patients infected with conjunctivitis typically experience symptoms such as ocular warmth, pain, photophobia, and difficulty opening the eyes—significantly impairing daily activities. Conjunctivitis commonly occurs during spring, summer, and autumn. Given widespread public concern about this condition, what exactly causes it?
What Is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is primarily caused by viruses or bacteria. It is highly contagious, especially when triggered by adenovirus infection, which may lead to outbreaks. Its principal clinical manifestations include conjunctival hyperemia (redness), excessive tearing, and ocular discharge. When a secondary bacterial infection is present, copious purulent, yellow-green discharge may occur. A small number of patients may also develop preauricular lymphadenopathy. The primary mode of transmission is direct contact. Therefore, avoiding eye rubbing at all times and practicing thorough hand hygiene are critically important.
Conjunctivitis is most frequently caused by bacterial infection of the conjunctiva. The most common causative bacteria include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Clinically, this form is also referred to as acute catarrhal conjunctivitis. This condition is typically acute in onset, with hallmark symptoms including redness of the eye, a pronounced foreign-body sensation, excessive tearing, ocular pruritus (itching), and abundant purulent discharge within the conjunctival sac. During acute episodes, topical antibacterial eye drops—such as clonidine or ginsenosides—may be prescribed under medical supervision. Additionally, if excessive discharge accumulates locally, sterile physiological saline irrigation can be performed to maintain ocular hygiene, prevent bacterial retention in the conjunctival sac, and avoid disease exacerbation. Furthermore, patient isolation is essential to prevent cross-infection.
Patients are advised to use sterile physiological saline for ocular irrigation to maintain eye hygiene and prevent bacterial accumulation in the conjunctival sac, thereby avoiding disease progression. Moreover, strict isolation measures should be implemented to prevent cross-infection. We hope this information proves helpful.
