What Causes Pink Eye?
Article Sources
- 1. Contact lenses and pink eye. (2020, November 11). Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/pink-eye-contacts/
- 2. Miles, K. (n.d.). Blocked tear ducts in babies. Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://www.babycenter.com/0_blocked-tear-ducts-in-babies_10403185.bc
- 3. Pink eye (conjunctivitis). (2020, June 16). Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355
- 4. Pollen allergy: Types, treatments, and home remedies. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322256
- 5. Schroeder, M. (2020, January 21). What's the Difference Between Viral and Bacterial Pinkeye? Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://health.usnews.com/conditions/eye-disease/conjunctivitis/articles/viral-vs-bacterial-conjunctivitis
9. Blocked Tear Duct
In babies, a common cause of pink eye is a blocked tear duct as the duct is not fully developed at the time of birth. It can take a couple of weeks or even months for the duct to fully develop, which would resolve the problem. This issue occurs in about 20% of babies.2Miles, K. (n.d.). Blocked tear ducts in babies. Retrieved November 18, 2020, from https://www.babycenter.com/0_blocked-tear-ducts-in-babies_10403185.bc While not as common, adults can sometimes get blocked tear ducts due to a nose injury or age-related changes to the structure of the nose.
While this issue often resolves itself with time, the child’s pediatrician may recommend several treatments to help soothe the discomfort and prevent complications. These can include massaging the tear ducts, wiping the eye with sterile water, or applying antibiotic eye drops.
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