Conjunctivitis

Nathalie Ramirez
Mr.Nakashima
Anatomy and Physiology

16 March, 2012

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as Pinkeye, is an eye condition in which the mucous membrane 

that lines the eye (the conjunctiva) swells and causes redness, swelling, excessive tearing, discomfort in the eye, burning, itching, and some sensitivity to light. Conjunctivitis is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, dryness, chemicals, fumes, or allergies. Like many other conditions, Pinkeye can be spread. Direct contact, swapping of bodily fluids, and sharing germs causes the spreading of this infection to others. Specifically because there is a period of time in which the affected eye will release discharge from the conjunctiva,  it is rather easy to pass on the infection through this discharge. Precautions should be taken in order to prevent contagion, precautions that include staying home until receiving antibiotics (if severe)  or simply avoiding to directly contact others.

The viruses that cause Pinkeye are just like the viruses that cause a cold, a runny nose, and a cough. Like many of these contagious cases, Pinkeye is easily spread from hand to mouth, with the exception that everyone has a different immune system and some might not get Pinkeye exactly, but other symptoms (cough, runny nose, etc.). The virus is spread by contact, eliminating the common belief that simply looking at someone with Pinkeye will give you the virus as well. Pinkeye, like any other virus is spread through and only through direct touch.

Works Cited

Healthwise. "Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment." WebMD. WebMD, 17 Dec. 2009. Web. 16 Mar. 2012. <http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/tc/pinkeye-topic-overview>.

Steele, Robert W. "IVillage." IVillage.com: Health, Beauty, Pregnancy, Entertainment, Women's Community and More. NBCUniversal, 7 Feb. 2011. Web. 16 Mar. 2012. <http://www.ivillage.com/expert-advice-pink-eye-conjunctivitis/6-n-138011>.