10 Pink Eye Symptoms
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Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the surface of the eye and inner eyelid. It is responsible for 30% of eye-related emergency room visits, and outbreaks frequently visit children attending schools and daycare centers.
A variety of pathogens cause pink eye, and treatment is based on the diagnosis. Viruses are the most common culprits, especially in cases that occur during summer. Bacteria, fungi, parasites, toxins, and allergens also are responsible. Regardless of the cause, the following are 10 symptoms of pink eye.
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1. Redness
The common name of conjunctivitis, pink eye, is an apt description of its most obvious symptom. The coloration may take the form of an overall pinkish to red hue, or resemble squiggly red lines covering the white part of the eye.
The red color is caused by blood inside the capillaries of the eye. When the cells of the eye sense a pathogen, they call for help with chemical messages. These chemicals cause blood vessels in the area to swell, allowing for more white blood cells to enter the area.
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