What Causes Pinkeye?
Pinkeye is most often caused by a virus. It usually occurs at the same time as or right after you have had a cold. Less commonly, pinkeye can be caused by infection with bacteria. Dry air, allergies, smoke, and chemicals can also cause pinkeye. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of pinkeye include: • Redness. • Itchy or burning eyes. • More tears than usual. The eye may drain a clear or slightly thick, whitish liquid. • Gray or yellow drainage from the eye. Waking up with the eyelashes of one or both eyes stuck together from this dried drainage is a common symptom of pinkeye. • Mild sensitivity to light. You may have symptoms in one eye, both eyes, or the symptoms may spread from one eye to the other eye. When pinkeye is caused by a virus, symptoms usually start in one eye and may then spread to the other eye. If you think you have pinkeye, call your doctor to find out the best way to treat it. Certain health risks may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. If you have other symptoms
