The fancy scientific name for pink eye is conjunctivitis, which literally means "inflammation of the conjunctiva." The conjunctiva is a clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye. Pink eye is a common eye condition in children. There are four main types of conjunctivitis, which can often be distinguished by the way your eyes will feel if you have pink eye:

Viral Conjunctivitis: usually only affects one eye and has little to no discharge, with excessive tearing.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: usually affects both eyes and often results in heavy greenish or yellowish discharge.

Allergic Conjunctivitis: affects both eyes and is often itchy with excessive tearing; the nose and the area around the eyes can be red as well.

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC): usually affects both eyes, and is often itchy, with heavy discharge, tearing, and red bumps on the underside of the eyelids; causes contact lens intolerance.

The type of treatment for pink eye will depend on its cause, so when you see your doctor, he/she will ask you a few questions about your pink eye symptoms. A sample of the discharge may also be taken and sent to a lab for analysis. Most often, however, a diagnosis can be made simply by the signs and symptoms.

Pink Eye Treatment & Prevention

Above all else, the best way to avoid spreading pink eye is to avoid the bacteria and viruses that cause it. While you are recovering from pink eye, you must keep in mind that both viral conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious to you (reinfection) and to others. Wash your hands often and avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. Don't share any towels, linens, or clothing that might have come into contact with your eyes. Eye makeup and eye drops should be discarded so that once you have healed from pink eye, you will not be reinfected. Avoid swimming in public places, as some bacteria can be transferred through the water. It is also important to discontinue contact lens wear while you are healing from pink eye.

Warm compresses (warm towels, for example) may aid in soothing the symptoms of pink eye caused by a virus or bacteria. Gently press the warm towel against your eye for about a minute or so.

To avoid allergic conjunctivitis, it is important that you determine what it is that's causing your allergies. Avoid pollen and dust, and vacuum frequently to avoid the more common causes of allergies. Cold compresses may be helpful if you have pink eye caused by allergies.

In the case of giant papillary conjunctivitis associated with contact lens wear, you should stop wearing the contacts right away. It may also be necessary to switch to a new type of contact lens altogether (for example: soft contact lenses to rigid gas permeable, or vice versa). This should be discussed with your eye doctor.

Pink Eye Medication

Normally there is no medication prescribed for viral conjunctivitis, as this type of pink eye generally clears up on its own within a few days. Antibiotics can be prescribed for pink eye caused by bacteria and anti-histamines can be prescribed for allergic conjunctivitis. For giant papillary conjunctivitis, anti-inflammatory medication may be helpful.

For the most part, pink eye is a minor eye condition that often resolves on its own. The potential does exist, however, for a more serious condition to develop. You should see your eye doctor as soon as you suspect that you or your child may have pink eye.

About the Author

Elizabeth Smith is the writer and product researcher for http://www.best-discount-contact-lenses.com. She has had both theoretical and practical experience with hard and soft contact lenses. She is a contact lens wearer herself.