You may have pink eye or another problem with your eyes. Here are the symptoms of Pink Eye: pink or red eyes, itchy, burning, watery eyes, a discharge coming from the eye (either white, yellow or green) and crusting along your eyelids that can even prevent your eyes from opening.
Pink Eye is also known as conjunctivitis and that can either be viral or bacterial.
A viral infection is likely to start in one eye and spread to the other. If you are having a clear, watery discharge from your eyes and cold-like symptoms, you are likely having a viral infection. This infection will likely last 7-10 days.
If it is a bacterial infection there may also be cold-like symptoms however, the notable difference is the thick (puss-like) discharge that forces your eyes to stick together. Bacterial pink eye lasts roughly 3-5 days and requires antibiotic eye drops to treat the infection.
Pink Eye does spread very easily. The main action to prevent spreading pink eye is to wash your hands, whether you are the patient or you have a family member or friend with pink eye. If infected, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Avoid sharing personal items with other such as linen, pillow cases, towels, make-up or glasses.
Most cases of viral pink eye do go away on their own, but you may need to be treated if you are in a lot of pain, noticing blurry vision or if you are sensitive to light. Bacterial pink eye should be treated by your eye doctor. If you are a contact lens wearer and you have pink eye, stop wearing your contact lenses till your treatment is complete or the symptoms have completely disappeared. Are you a contact lens wearer? You should always have a pair of back-up glasses with a current prescription for situations such as pink eye.
