Pink Eye

"Pink eye," also known as conjunctivitis, is an eye condition that can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. While the two causes may be difficult to differentiate clinically, viral pink eye typically appears as red and watery eyes, and is accompanied by common viral cold or upper respiratory symptoms. This type of pink eye should resolve itself as the viral cold improves. Bacterial pink eye usually appears as red eyes with yellow or green discharge. Upon awakening, the eyes often are matted shut with dried discharge. This type of pink eye also may be associated with a viral cold, but the bacterial eye infection itself improves quickly with antibiotic eye drops. Good handwashing is very important because both viral and bacterial pink eye infections are very contagious.  Those who wear contact lenses should switch to wearing glasses when they have symptoms of pinkeye.