Word parts
What it means
Swelling of the conjunctiva, the membrane over the white of the eye and inside the lids. Viruses, bacteria, allergies and irritants can all cause it. The eye looks pink or red and may itch, burn, water or crust. Viral and bacterial types spread easily by hands and shared items. In newborns, it can come from infection passed during birth.
For the nurse
Teach hand washing, not touching or rubbing the eyes, and not sharing towels, pillows or eye makeup. Clean from the inner corner of the eye outward with a fresh wipe each time. Report eye pain, light sensitivity or vision changes, which are not typical of simple conjunctivitis.
At a glance
| Everyday words | pink eye |
|---|---|
| Spanish | conjuntivitis |
| Also written | pink eye, pinkeye |
Related terms
-itis
A word ending that means inflammation.
photophobia
Discomfort or pain in the eyes caused by light; sensitivity to light.
eyelid
Either of the two folds of skin and muscle that cover and protect the front of the eye.
virus
A tiny germ, much smaller than a bacterium, that can only multiply inside the living cells of another organism.