Pink Eye
...iral and bacterial infections, cause by staphylococci, pneumococci, and strepococci, allergies, caused by pollen, pet dander, and dust, or environmental irritants such as household cleaners or smoke. Underlying diseases within the body may also cause pink eye. Persistent conjunctivitis can be a sign of this. The diseases that constant pink eye cause include rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Pink eye can be classified as infectious or non infectious. Infectious conjunctivitis-whether viral or bacterial-can be highly contagious, so contact with the infected person's tears through items such as towels should be avoided. Hand washing after contact will also prevent the spread. Noninfectious pink eye includes allergies and environmental toxins and cannot be spread. The symptoms of pink eye are usually obvious: red, irritated eye; a burning or scratchy feeling; or, a pus-like discharge. There are several eye diseases can b...