Signs of Pinkeye

Pinkeye is broken down into two categories: contagious and noncontagious. Pinkeye that is contagious stems from a bacterial or viral infection that has infiltrated the eye. Noncontagious pinkeye does not carry the threat of being spread to others because its primary cause is due to irritants and not a communicable source. All three variations of pinkeye have differing signs and symptoms that can help with its diagnosis.

What Is Pinkeye?

• Mayoclinic.com describes pinkeye as an infection of the eye, also known as conjunctivitis. In most cases, inflammation of the eyelid and a portion of the eyeball can occur, causing the whites of the eye to become red or pink. In fact, the "pink" coloring is the most prominent symptom of pinkeye.

The Itch

• There is one thing that all three forms of pinkeye have in common, and that is the itch. The itch, and sometimes burning, that accompanies a pinkeye infection is unmistakable. Often the itch is so overwhelming it causes the pinkeye sufferer to feel the need to rub his eyes. But although the rubbing may give temporary relief, it can sometimes make the other symptoms of the infection worse.

Bacterial Pinkeye

• Pinkeye that is caused by bacteria will usually affect both of your eyes. Along with the common itch and burning is usually a crusting around the eyelids, which can not only make the eye feel more swollen but also irritate the eyeball even further. MedicineNet.com explains that a thick discharge, or pus, often seeps from the inside corners of the eye, which is usually green or yellow. The infection can be easily spread from one eye to the other by rubbing the eyes with fingers that are harboring the bacteria, or by using eye makeup that was also used by an infected person. The bacterial form of pinkeye is often treated with antibiotic eye drops.

Viral Pinkeye

• Pinkeye that is caused by a virus will often be concentrated in just one eye. The discharge that is associated with the infection is notably thinner than that of the bacterial type--usually clear and watery. According to St. Luke's Eye, there is no cure for infections that are caused by viruses. To reduce swelling, topical steroids may be prescribed, along with the recommendation of cold compresses.

Allergic Pinkeye

• Allergy sufferers may sometimes become infected with allergic pinkeye. The eye infection can often result when allergies peak during the changing seasons, excessive dust or dander allergens are floating freely or if a certain type of eye makeup is used that the body rejects. Antihistamines are usually prescribed for allergic pinkeye. According to ewashtenaw.org, a watery discharge and slight amount of redness is associated with the condition.