You wake up and your eye is red, itchy, and feels gritty. Maybe there’s discharge crusting your eyelashes. Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is one of the most common eye problems we see at Clearview.
The good news: most cases of pink eye are mild and clear up on their own or with simple treatment. The challenge is knowing what type you have, when you can treat it at home, and when you need to see a doctor.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about pink eye. We’ll cover the different types, what causes them, what you can safely do at home, and when it’s time to come see us.
Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva. That’s the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids. When blood vessels in this tissue get inflamed, they become more visible, giving your eye that pink or red appearance.
The term “pink eye” gets used for different conditions that all cause eye redness. But the treatment depends on what’s causing the inflammation. Some types are highly contagious. Others aren’t contagious at all.
The symptoms can range from barely noticeable to really uncomfortable. Some people describe it as feeling like sand in their eye. Others say it’s just an annoying itchiness they can’t get rid of.
This is the most common type. It’s caused by viruses, usually the same ones that give you a cold or upper respiratory infection.
The discharge is usually watery and doesn’t crust as heavily as bacterial conjunctivitis. Your eye might water more than usual, and the redness tends to be more diffuse across the eye.
Extremely contagious. The infection is passed through direct contact with eye discharge or contaminated surfaces. If you happen to have discharge in one of your eyes, then by rubbing your eyes, you can transfer it to the other. In addition, you can give it to someone else if you use the same towel, pillowcase, or touch the surfaces after touching your eyes.
A person with this infection is contagious for the duration of the symptoms, which is usually 10 to 14 days. In the case of some viruses, such as adenovirus, one can still be contagious for up to two weeks even after the symptoms are getting better.
Pink eye caused by a virus normally gets better without any treatment within one or two weeks. Since antibiotics have no effect on viruses, the patient is given antibiotics only for symptom relief and to avoid spreading the infection. It is your body that fights the virus.
This type is caused by bacteria and produces more discharge than viral pink eye.
Less commonly: Chlamydia or gonorrhea (more serious, needs immediate treatment)
The discharge is the main indication. Most of the time the discharge is of such consistency that you can easily notice it on your eyelashes and it may cause your eyelids to be sticky when you get up. Some people say that in the morning their eyes are glued shut.
Bacterial pink eye is very contagious and can be easily transmitted through direct contact with discharge or objects contaminated with it. The infection is contagious as long as there is discharge and it ceases after 24 hours of antibiotic therapy.
Usually, bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. A few cases may be self-limiting without antibiotics, but a doctor’s prescription will speed up the recovery and prevent the spreading. The majority of bacterial pink eye result in symptoms alleviation within a few days of antibiotic therapy.
Such a situation is caused by an eye reaction to allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold. In contrast to viral and bacterial types, this is an immunological system overreaction to a non-harmful entity.
Many times the itching is so strong that one wants to scratch, but scratching only makes it worse. A great number of people who suffer from allergic conjunctivitis say it is more irritating than painful because the itching is very persistent.
Absolutely not contagious. It is a reaction of the immune system, not an infection.
If the allergen is removed or avoided, it is most helpful. Antihistamine eye drops, a cool compress, and artificial tears are soothing. In addition, allergy medications available without a prescription can be of use. Some people may get relief if they stay indoors during pollen season in the spring.
This occurs when something irritates your eyes directly.
Not contagious.
Rinse the eye with clean water or saline. In most cases, irritant conjunctivitis will heal by itself within a day. If the eye has been exposed to a chemical (for example, a cleaning product), it should be flushed immediately for at least 15 minutes, and then the person may need to be taken to the emergency department.
Pink eye in newborns (babies under one month old) must be taken to the doctor right away. The possible causes are:
Eye infections in the newborn can lead to serious complications if not properly and promptly treated. If your child's eyes are red, swollen, or have discharge, always call your pediatrician or take your baby for an examination. Don't wait, and don't try to treat it at home.
Most pink eye is mild. But some situations need professional care.
For mild viral or bacterial pink eye, these steps help while your body fights the infection. For allergic conjunctivitis, they provide symptom relief.
Cool compresses work best for allergic conjunctivitis and most viral cases. They reduce itching and soothe irritation.
Warm compresses help with bacterial conjunctivitis. They soften crusty discharge and feel soothing.
Repeat three to four times a day or whenever you need relief. Many people find that compresses not only feel good but also help reduce the appearance of redness.
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) help with all types of pink eye. They dilute allergens and irritants, wash away discharge, soothe irritation, and provide temporary relief from grittiness.
Gently clean your eyes several times a day:
This prevents discharge from building up and reduces bacterial growth.
Stop wearing contacts: Don’t wear contact lenses until your eyes are completely better. If you have bacterial pink eye, throw away the contacts you were wearing and get a fresh pair. Also replace your contact lens case and solution. The old case and solution could reinfect you.
Skip eye makeup: Don’t wear eye makeup while you have pink eye. Throw away any mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadow you were using when the infection started. Bacteria can live in these products for months.
Rest your eyes: Avoid long periods of screen time if your eyes are tired or light-sensitive.
Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses if you’re light-sensitive.
Sleep position: Try to sleep on the opposite side of your face from the affected eye if only one eye is involved. This keeps the eye from being pressed into the pillow.
If you have contagious pink eye (viral or bacterial):
Kids get pink eye often because they’re in close contact with others and touch their faces frequently.
Most schools and daycares require kids to stay home until:
Viral conjunctivitis: Usually improves in 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms may get worse for the first few days before getting better. Some viral cases take up to three weeks to fully resolve.
Bacterial conjunctivitis: Without treatment, can last 2 to 3 weeks. With antibiotic drops, symptoms often improve within 2 to 3 days and clear up within a week.
Allergic conjunctivitis: Symptoms are present during the time the person is exposed to the allergen. In a chronic situation, it can be a case that lasts for a whole year. The signs of the disease get better very quickly if you take away the allergen or start the treatment. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is generally of short duration and lasts only a few weeks during the pollen season.
Chemical/irritant conjunctivitis: The condition is usually resolved within 24 hours after the removal of the irritant.
In case your symptoms last longer than they should or are recurrent, you need to be checked by an ophthalmologist. It could be that you have a different condition or a complication.
Pink eye is common, usually mild, and often goes away on its own. Knowing what type you have helps you treat it correctly.
We can say that your eyes are the most precious parts of your body. When they are not functioning properly, we come to your rescue. You are free to call us if you have any questions or doubts.
In case you see any symptoms that may lead to conjunctivitis, it is very important that you take care of it. The sooner you go through this process, the sooner you will be relieved. If you decide to handle it at home or if you require a doctor’s intervention, it is still very important that you take your first steps without delay.
