Pink eye
Also called: conjunctivitis
Inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid.
- Spreads in various ways
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Usually self-diagnosable
- Lab tests or imaging rarely required
- Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eyeball. It can be caused by allergies or a bacterial or viral infection. Conjunctivitis can be extremely contagious, and is spread by contact with eye secretions from someone who is infected.
Very common: More than 3 million US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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Apr 9, 2024 · Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is an infection of the eye's conjunctiva usually caused by a bacteria or virus that results in red, ...
This highly contagious eye condition can be itchy and uncomfortable. But much like the common cold, it rarely requires medicine or staying home.
Aug 22, 2022 · Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed due to a reaction to pollen, dander, mold, or other allergy-causing ...