an eye infection

Its inflammation and bacteria in the membrane. It needs an antibiotic to stop it.

Conjunctivitis. An inflammation.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) By Marilyn Haddrill; contributions and review by Chris A. Knobbe, MD A pink eye is the most obvious symptom of conjunctivitis, so the term "pink eye" often is used for this common eye problem that can have many different causes. A pink eye, along with itching, burning, stinging, irritation, pain, grittiness, crusting or light sensitivity, are all symptoms that provide clues about the type of conjunctivitis you could have. Contagious forms of pink eye are usually linked to bacterial or viral infections. Non-contagious pink eye can occur when eye irritants such as allergens, dust and smoke are in the environment. Coughing and sneezing can spread contagious pink eye by spraying tiny droplets from infected mucus into the air. Shared towels also can be infected, as well as table tops, counter spaces and bathrooms. Pink eye can occur in adults, but most often it occurs in young children through epidemics that spread rapidly in classrooms and day care centers. Particularly in these communal settings, you need to take extra precautions to prevent pink eye, such as frequent hand washing by adults and children. In fact, when pink eye is present, it's a good idea to keep a can of disinfectant spray handy and use it often. Because a reddish or pink eye can be a symptom of many different types of eye problems — some that can be quite serious — make sure you consult with your eye doctor. Why Is the Eye Pink in Pink Eye? Pink eye results from inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye (sclera) and interior lining of the eyelids. Although the conjunctiva is transparent, it contains most of the blood vessels on the eye's surface. So anything that triggers eye inflammation will cause these conjunctival blood vessels to dilate. This contributes to the eye's pink or reddish appearance, particularly evident against the backdrop of the white sclera. Pink Eye Causes, Signs and Symptoms The way your eyes feel and look will provide some clues about the type of pink eye you have. Besides causing a pink eye, conjunctivitis also can make your eye hurt or itch. For more common types of pink eye, here are some of the symptoms: Allergic conjunctivitis causes itching, redness and excessive tearing in both eyes. Your nose also may be stuffy, itchy and runny. Bacterial conjunctivitis often spreads to both eyes and causes a heavy discharge, sometimes greenish. Crusting may appear on eyelids. Viral conjunctivitis usually affects only one eye, which has excessive watering and a light discharge. Crusting on eyelids sometimes occurs. During your eye exam, try to give your doctor exact details of how your eye was affected. You'll be asked whether symptoms came on gradually or suddenly, if you've been in contact with anyone else who has had pink eye, as well as other questions. Conjunctival inflammation gives the eye a reddish tinge commonly known as pink eye.Often your answers alone will determine the diagnosis about the type of conjunctivitis you have. To pinpoint the cause of pink eye and then choose an appropriate treatment, your eye doctor also will examine your eyes and possibly collect a sample (culture) to send out for analysis. If a sample is needed, the eye will be numbed with drops and the surface will be gently swabbed. Antibiotic eye drops often are prescribed initially. But the medication may be changed, depending on culture results. If you have a bacterial infection, common causes can include staphylococcus (staph), streptococcus (strep) and — in children — Haemophilus influenza, a flu that is not viral. Who Gets Pink Eye? Anyone of any age can have pink eye. But children