Pinkeye or Conjunctivitis

Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is a common and highly contagious infection of the eye.  Some of the symptoms include eyelid itching, burning or swelling, tenderness and swelling in front of the ears, excessive tearing, and whitish drainage.  Symptoms usually last from 5-7 days, but can extend to 3 weeks and become chronic.  Pinkeye can be either viral or bacterial in origin and it can be passed easily through contact with an infected individual or object.  Pinkeye may be a serious problem for those who wear contact lenses, have vision in only one eye, or who are immunocompromised.