3 Reasons Why You Keep Getting Conjunctivitis

It’s not difficult to pick up a virus or bacteria that causes conjunctivitis. Allergies, makeup, and chemical exposure can also cause the condition, commonly known as pink eye. Though many think of it as a childhood illness, it strikes children and adults alike, and it can be contagious. 

Generally, pink eye isn’t dangerous, and it rarely affects your eyesight. But it can be uncomfortable and even painful, and you might experience a discharge from your eyes, which appear swollen and red. 

At Refresh Wellness, we specialize in diagnosing and treating conjunctivitis. While most cases of pink eye resolve themselves, treatment can reduce the time you’re suffering as well as improve the appearance of your eye. 

Sometimes, people develop recurring conjunctivitis, one infection closely followed by another. It’s different from chronic conjunctivitis, defined as a single infection that lasts longer than four weeks. 

There are three general reasons why you might succumb to recurring infections. Let’s look at conjunctivitis and why it might come back. 

Symptoms of pink eye

The signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis vary, depending on the source and strength of the infection affecting your eye. Some of the most common symptoms include: 

• Characteristic pink or red appearance affecting one or both eyes
• Itchiness and irritation of the affected eye
• Burning sensations
• Eyelids stuck together in the morning
• Grittiness in your eyes
• Increased tear production
• Stringy and sometimes thick discharge from the eyes that may be white or green
• Blurry vision

The symptoms of conjunctivitis are similar to those of other conditions. Usually, we diagnose pink eye with a review of your medical history and an examination, but we may take an eye culture if there are other possible causes. 

Why You Keep Getting Conjunctivitis

It’s frustrating when another case of pink eye emerges shortly after an earlier episode clears up. Here’s why that may happen.

Reinfection

Since conjunctivitis is highly contagious and easily passed between people, it’s possible for you to suffer reinfection due to being exposed again. You might also develop pink eye when another cause infects you. If you start with a bacterial infection, a recurring episode could be viral in origin. 

Underlying illness

The presence of other illnesses may be draining your immune system so your body can’t fight off pink eye. Rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may be to blame, or it could be Kawasaki’s disease. Your medical history might provide clues. 

Allergies or sensitivities

If, after your first episode of pink eye passes, you’re exposed again to a specific allergen or chemical irritant, the conjunctivitis cycle can start over. It might take some effort to track down the trigger of the condition. 

Contact our team at Refresh Wellness for more help with your conjunctivitis. You can schedule an appointment by phone or online, so book your visit today. We serve patients in Garland and throughout Dallas County, Texas.