If your child is rubbing their eyes constantly or you notice redness and irritation, it could be pink eye. Adults can get it too, and it can interrupt work, school, or daily routines. Your eye doctor can identify the type of pink eye during a comprehensive eye exam and recommend proper treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about pink eye, including symptoms, causes, and strategies to prevent spreading it.
What is pink eye?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin tissue that covers the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. Symptoms include redness, tearing, itchiness, or discharge. While many cases are mild, some types are highly contagious and may need medical treatment to avoid complications.
How do you get pink eye?
Pink eye develops differently depending on the cause:
1. Viral conjunctivitis
Viral pink eye is the most common type of conjunctivitis. Viruses, often the same ones that cause colds, cause this type of pink eye and make your eyes red, watery, and irritated. Viral conjunctivitis typically goes away on its own, but it is highly contagious.¹
2. Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial infections can also cause pink eye, resulting in red, swollen eyes with yellow or green discharge. Bacterial pink eye spreads quickly through direct contact with infected eye secretions or contaminated objects.
3. Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause itchy, watery eyes and redness in both eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.¹
Symptoms of pink eye
Common signs of pink eye include¹:
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Itching or burning sensations
- A gritty or scratchy feeling
- Excessive tearing
- Watery or thick discharge
- Crusty eyelids in the morning
- Sensitivity to light
Recognizing symptoms early allows you to seek care before pink eye worsens or spreads.
How long does pink eye last?
Pink eye lasts for different lengths of time depending on the cause:
- Viral pink eye: Symptoms typically improve within one to two weeks without medication.²
- Bacterial pink eye: With proper treatment, symptoms often improve in two to five days, though full recovery may take two weeks or longer.²
- Allergic pink eye: Symptoms continue as long as you remain exposed to the allergen.
Pink eye treatment
During an eye exam, our experienced optometrist in Spokane Valley can determine the type of pink eye and recommend the best approach:
- Viral: Artificial tears and cold compresses can help ease discomfort while your eyes heal.
- Bacterial: Prescription antibiotic drops or ointments speed up recovery and reduce the risk of spreading pink eye.
- Allergic: Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory drops relieve redness and itching, and avoiding triggers helps prevent flare-ups.
It is important for children to see a pediatric eye doctor if they exhibit symptoms of pink eye. Early detection can help prevent the spread of infection and complications associated with pink eye.
If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses until your eyes feel better. You should also start fresh with a new pair of contact lenses and a clean case once the infection clears.
How to prevent pink eye
Take these steps to reduce the risk of developing or spreading pink eye³:
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
- Do not use the same eye drop bottle for infected and non-infected eyes.
- Wash towels, pillowcases, sheets, and washcloths often in hot water and detergent.
- With clean hands, gently wipe away any discharge from around your eyes a few times a day using a clean, damp washcloth or a fresh cotton ball.
- Do not share personal items like makeup brushes, eye or face makeup, towels, washcloths, or pillows.
- Keep glasses and contact lenses clean.
Following these practices helps protect your eyes and those around you.
Keep your eyes healthy and comfortable
Pink eye can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but proper care helps you recover quickly. Our experts can confirm the cause, provide treatment guidance, and offer tips to keep your eyes healthy.
Schedule an appointment with EyeQ Optical today to relieve irritation, protect your vision, and maintain healthy eyes for you and your family.
References:
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis). mayoclinic.org
- Treatment for pink eye. nei.nih.gov
- How to prevent pink eye. cdc.gov
