Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is a common and highly contagious illness.
The characteristic sign of pink eye is a pink or reddish color on the whites of the eyes.
While pink eye can usually be treated at home, medical help is often necessary.
What is pink eye?
Pink eye is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white parts of your eyes. Pink eye may be caused by viruses, bacteria or allergens.
Rapid intervention helps alleviate uncomfortable symptoms like the itching and irritation commonly associated with pink eye. Additionally, early treatment helps prevent the spread of contagious forms of pink eye.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
Eye irritation and other conditions can present similarly to pink eye, paying attention to your symptoms can help you determine when to see a doctor and understand what type of treatment to seek out.
Redness
The most common symptom of conjunctivitis is redness in the whites of one or both eyes.
Itchiness or irritation
Your eye(s) may feel itchy or irritated, and it may feel like there is a grittiness in your eye.
Excessive tearing
Watery and tearing eyes may make it harder to see, and it may switch between eyes if both are affected.
Light sensitivity
You may find it uncomfortable to be in bright light and you may see spots in your vision.
Discharge
Your eye(s) may release a discharge while you sleep that forms a crust as it dries around your eyes.
Pink Eye Treatment
Pink eye often heals in 2-3 weeks with rest and at-home care. If you have pink eye, stop wearing contact lenses immediately until your symptoms have resolved. If your symptoms have not improved in two weeks, please see your doctor. To relieve your symptoms, try these solutions:
Artificial tears
Artificial tears will moisten your eyes, soothing discomfort and offering relief from itchiness and irritation.
Cold or warm compresses
Cool compresses can reduce inflammation and dull the feeling of pain. Warm compresses will help reduce discharge or crusting that may be around your eye(s).
Cleaning your eyelids
Cleaning away the discharge and crusting that may be around your eye(s) will help you heal faster by reducing additional symptoms.
Medication
If a medical provider is able to determine that your conjunctivitis is bacterial, they may provide you with a prescription to help fight the infection faster.
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What causes pink eye?
Pink eye can result from various irritants entering one or both eyes. This can include viruses, bacteria, allergens, chemical substances or foreign objects. These irritants can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, transparent membrane lining the eyeballs and eyelids.
In newborns, pink eye can happen as the result of a partially unopened or blocked tear duct.
How long am I contagious for?
Viral pink eye is contagious as long as your symptoms are present. If your pink eye is bacterial, your contagious period will end about 24 hours after you start taking antibiotics.
Pink eye is not contagious when it is caused by other irritants, like allergies or foreign bodies.
How do you know if your pink eye is viral or bacterial?
Distinguishing between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be challenging. In viral pink eye, watery discharge is common. Bacterial pink eye can cause a thicker discharge, along with swelling and pain. Your healthcare provider can help determine what’s causing your pink eye.
When should I visit urgent care for pink eye treatment?
When it comes to your eyes, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. While pink eye complications are uncommon, vision damage can occur.
Additionally, newborns and people with weakened immune systems should get medical care at the first sign of pink eye.
Answers to Common Questions About Pink Eye
Is my pink eye caused by allergies?
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is caused by your body reacting to an allergen or irritant. The primary symptom of this form of pink eye is itching.
What gets rid of pink eye quickly?
If home remedies aren’t helping your pink eye, a medical provider may be able to prescribe helpful medications. For bacterial pink eye, swift relief can come with antibiotic treatment as directed by a healthcare professional. For pink eye caused by the herpes simplex virus, antiviral medication can help. Finally, allergy medications can help clear up pink eye cases caused by allergies.
How can I prevent others from catching pink eye from me?
Early diagnosis and treatment help to limit the spread of pink eye and protects people around you from also getting it. You can also help prevent pink eye by following these precautions:
Wash your hands frequently
Avoid touching your eyes
Only use clean towels and washcloths
Wash your pillowcases and bed sheets often
Don’t share eye makeup or eye care items