Pink Eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an infection of the eye. It causes the conjunctiva (the white park of your eye) to become irritated or inflamed, which makes your eyes red and itchy. Causes of pink eye may include a bacterial or viral infection, or allergies.  

Almost everyone will wonder, “what is pink eye?” at some point in their lives. It’s very common, especially in children and young adults. Learning about the causes and treatments can help you recover — and avoid it in the future.

What Are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?

Pink eye symptoms can include a combination of:

• Itching: Eyes may feel irritated and itchy, leading to frequent rubbing.
• Burning: Your eyes may feel hot and uncomfortable.
• Stinging: This sometimes feels like soap in the eyes, causing discomfort.
• Eye discharge: A sticky discharge might crust over your eyelashes.
• Swelling: Puffy eyelids and discomfort are common.
• Watering: Your eyes may produce excess tears and blur your vision.

If you have these symptoms, avoid touching your eyes and consult a healthcare provider who can offer proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Causes Pink Eye?

A bacterial or viral infection usually causes pink eye, although it can also be caused by allergens. Here are the most common types of pink eye and their causes:

 

• Bacterial pink eye results from bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. It often produces thick, yellow-green eye discharge.
• Viral pink eye is usually caused by viruses like adenovirus. It's highly contagious and may accompany a cold or respiratory infection, often resulting in watery discharge.
• Allergic pink eye occurs when allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust irritate the eyes. Eye allergies typically affect both eyes and cause intense itching and tearing.

 

To determine how you got conjunctivitis, a doctor will assess your pink eye symptoms, examining eye discharge, redness, and swelling. They may also swab the eye to test for bacteria or viruses.

How Do You Get Pink Eye?

Pink eye is very contagious and is spread from person to person through eye fluids and sometimes coughs and sneezes. The most common ways to contract pink eye are through direct contact with an infected person’s eye secretions, for example, through:

 

• Airborne spread: Viral pink eye can spread through coughs and sneezes.
• Contaminated objects: Sharing personal items like towels, makeup, or contact lenses.
• Schools and daycares: Close contact and shared items make these environments a hotbed for pink eye.
• Gyms: Shared equipment and locker rooms can harbor bacteria and viruses.
• Workplaces: Shared spaces and items increase the risk of transmission.

How Is Pink Eye Treated?

Pink eye treatment will depend on the type of conjunctivitis you have. Treatment can start with simple home remedies. Applying warm compresses can reduce discomfort, while cold compresses help alleviate swelling and irritation. Over-the-counter artificial tears can soothe dryness and irritation. 

Many cases of pink eye resolve on their own within a week or two. For example, in most cases, your body will fight off viral conjunctivitis within 7 to 14 days.  

However, if your symptoms last more than a week or you have a thick yellow or green discharge, schedule a comprehensive eye exam to help diagnose the problem. That can indicate bacterial conjunctivitis, which may require antibiotic eye drops prescribed by your eye doctor.

How to Prevent Spreading Pink Eye

To prevent spreading pink eye to others, follow these tips:

• Avoid close contact with others until symptoms improve.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes to prevent contamination.
• Wash your hands often, especially after touching your face, and avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Use a wet compress to wipe your face and eyes.
• Avoid using eye makeup, such as mascara. Replace your old eye makeup and never share it with others.
• Avoid sharing towels, pillowcases, makeup, or eye drops with others.
• Clean your contact lenses regularly and replace lenses as recommended by your eye doctor.
• Wash your pillowcases and towels regularly with hot water. 
• Clean common surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops

Think You Have Pink Eye? We Can Help

If you think you have pink eye, you’re definitely not alone. If you’re experiencing symptoms like discharge or itchy, burning eyes, contact your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center to schedule an eye exam. Our experienced team of eye care experts can help determine whether you have allergies vs. pink eye and get you the appropriate treatment.

Pink Eye FAQ

What are the different types of pink eye?

There are three main types of pink eye: bacterial, viral, and allergic. Each one has a different cause and requires a specific type of treatment. 

Is pink eye contagious?

Yes, bacterial and viral pink eye are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact. Allergen-caused pink eye is not contagious.

Can pink eye cause any major complications?

Major complications are rare but possible. Severe cases can lead to serious eye infections, especially if untreated or if the immune system is compromised.

When should I see a doctor about pink eye?

See a doctor if your pink eye symptoms worsen, last more than a week, include vision changes, or if you have a thick yellow or green discharge.

Can pink eye be prevented?

Pink eye can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, washing hands frequently, avoiding touching your eyes, and not sharing personal items like towels and makeup.

Can pink eye be treated at home?

In mild cases, pink eye treatment at home with warm compresses, artificial tears, and good hygiene should help. However, a doctor should evaluate severe or persistent cases.