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What Is Pink Eye And How Can You Prevent It?

Red eyes are rarely a good thing.

Itchy, watery eyes are typical this time of year thanks to seasonal allergies. But if you're also experiencing some sticky discharge and crusting in and around your eye, it's safe to say you probably have an eye infection.

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, is an inflammation of the clear skin found on the inside of the eyelid and over the whites of your eyes.

And pink eye isn't a cut and dry infection. In the slideshow below, we take you through the different categories, causes and symptoms of conjunctivits.

Despite the different ways of contracting the infection, the ways to prevent it are pretty plain and simple. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends you avoid touching your eyes, especially if you suffer from cold or flu-like symptoms. You can also reduce your risk of infection by washing your hands frequently and refraining from sharing personal items like make-up and make-up brushes, towels and tissues.

Check out the slideshow below for more tips on dealing with and identifying pink eye.

What Is It?

Pink Eye

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