Understanding Pink Eye: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can be caused by various factors such as irritation, bacteria, allergies or sexually transmitted infections. Dr. Pham Huy Vu Tung, an Ophthalmology specialist at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City explains that pink eye is characterized by redness of the eyes and swelling of the eyelids. It may affect one or both eyes and can be caused by different reasons.

When irritation is the cause, rinsing the eyes with warm water can help relieve symptoms. However, bacterial or allergic pink eye may require medical treatment. Irritation-caused pink eye can be treated by washing the eyes with warm water to remove any foreign objects. Allergic pink eye can be managed with antihistamines, steroid anti-inflammatory drugs or decongestants. Bacterial conjunctivitis requires antibiotics prescribed by a doctor which may be in the form of eye drops or ointments. In rare cases, it may be caused by sexually transmitted infections which require specific treatment. Pregnant women with bacterial pink eye should use antibiotic ointment to prevent infection in their newborn during vaginal birth. For patients with autoimmune diseases managing pink eye symptoms is essential during treatment for other conditions to reduce discomfort and complications. It is important to consult with a doctor for proper care and control of pink eye symptoms.