Conjunctivitis

Overview

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent tissue covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, characterized by blood vessel dilation, discharge, and inflammatory cell infiltration. It is classified as infectious or non-infectious, with symptoms including redness or a pink tint, increased discharge, itching, pain, burning, tearing, and difficulty opening the eyes in the morning, affecting one or both eyes.

Symptoms

• Eye redness
• Eye itching
• Increased discharge
• Foreign body sensation
• Tearing

Treatment

Treatment is based on the cause with attention to eye hygiene; bacterial cases use antibiotic eye drops, allergic cases avoid allergens, and viral cases are often self-limiting.

Dietary advice

Eat a light diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid spicy, irritating foods.