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Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, allergies, or irritation from chemicals or foreign objects in the eye.
The main symptoms of pink eye include redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, eye discharge, and itching or burning of the eyes. In bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge is usually thick and yellow or green in color, while in viral conjunctivitis, the discharge is usually watery and clear.
Treatment of pink eye depends on the cause of the infection. Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment, while viral conjunctivitis usually clears up on its own within a few days. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with antihistamine eye drops or oral medications, and irritant conjunctivitis is treated by removing the irritant and washing the eye thoroughly.
To prevent the spread of pink eye, individuals should avoid touching their eyes, wash their hands frequently, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels or eye makeup. People with pink eye should also stay home from work or school until their symptoms improve.