“Pink eye” — it’s a term that may sound scary, but this common eye problem typically is easily treated and, with a few simple precautions, can often be avoided.

Anyone can get pink eye, but preschoolers, schoolchildren, college students, teachers and daycare workers are particularly at risk for the contagious types of pink eye due to their close proximity with others in the classroom. Pink eye — also called conjunctivitis — is inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva).

Anything that triggers inflammation will cause these conjunctival blood vessels to dilate. This is what causes red, bloodshot eyes. Many eye doctors use the term “pink eye” to refer only to viral conjunctivitis, a highly contagious infection caused by a variety of viruses. Despite precautions, you or your child still may develop pink eye. If the problem is contagious pink eye, be considerate of others and do your part to keep the infection from spreading.

 Click Here to know more about the causes of conjunctivitis… 
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