Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye happens when the conjunctiva — the thin, clear membrane covering the white of your eye — gets irritated. The irritation causes inflammation and swelling, making your eyes look pink or red.

Pink eye is common because you can develop it in several ways. Allergens, bacteria and viruses can all cause it. Pink eye can affect one or both eyes, and it can be short-term (lasting less than four weeks) or long-term (lasting over four weeks).

There are several types of pink eye, and they develop from different causes. Some cases are contagious; others are not. Pink eye can spread when you directly or indirectly touch any liquid from the eyes of someone with an infected eye.

• Allery-related pink eye. Exposure to pollen can trigger this condition in both eyes. If you’re allergic to pollen, your body produces the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) that prompts your body to release histamines. Histamines produce many allergy symptoms, including pink eyes. This pink eye isn’t contagious but makes your eyes red, watery and inflamed. Symptoms will last while you’re exposed to the allergen.
• Bacterial pink eye. Exposure to bacteria can lead to a highly contagious type of pink eye. These infections last up to 10 days. These bacteria can also lead to other types of infections. Some of the most common bacterial causes include:
• Haemophilus influenzae (known for causing meningitis in children)
• Sexually transmitted infections (exposure to chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis during birth can lead to blindness or permanent eye damage in newborns)
• Staphylococcus (known for causing staph infections)
• Streptococcus (known for causing pneumococcal disease and strep throat)
• Fungal pink eye. Pink eye caused by a fungus is possible but rare.
• Irritation-related pink eye. Some substances like contact lenses, cosmetics, dirt, pool chlorine, shampoo or smoke can irritate your eyes. Symptoms should subside once you remove the irritant. This type of pink eye is not contagious.
• Viral pink eye. Most cases of pink eye are caused by viruses like the adenovirus, which leads to respiratory infections. Like bacterial pink eye, these infections are highly contagious and can last up to two weeks. Other viruses that can cause pink eye include:
• Common systemic viruses (measles or mumps)
• Enteroviruses (hand, foot and mouth disease — this is rare)
• Herpes simplex virus
• Molluscum contagiosum (viral skin infection that causes small, pearl-like bumps)
• SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Pink eye can affect anyone. But some groups of people are at greater risk:

• Children under age 5 who are in preschool or large daycare settings where viruses are easily transmitted
• Newborn babies (exposure to bacteria or sexually transmitted infections during childbirth)
• People who wear contact lenses
• People with seasonal allergies (up to 40 percent experience pink eye)

Symptoms of pink eye can be the same as signs of other eye conditions. Visit urgent care if you’re experiencing:

• Blurry vision (it may come and go)
• Burning or stinging in your eyes
• Dry eyes
• Eye discharge (thicker than normal fluid that may be green, white or yellow)
• Eye pain
• Eye puffiness
• Feeling like something is stuck in your eye
• Itchy, irritated eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Redness in the whites of your eyes or inside your eyelid
• Swollen eyelids
• Watery eyes

Our providers can identify most cases of pink eye. Often, our providers can diagnose pink eye with a simple physical exam and review of your medical history. In more serious cases — or if they need more information — they may use a soft swab to collect a sample of your eye fluid and send it to the lab for testing. The lab results will determine what type of treatment you receive.

Mild cases of pink eye can clear up on their own as your immune system fights off the infection. To relieve your symptoms as you wait, our providers may recommend you:

• Apply cool and warm compresses throughout the day
• Clean your eyelids with warm, soft, wet washcloths
• Use artificial tears

If your pink eye is more serious, you will need medical treatment. In most cases, our providers suggest corticosteroids and pain-relieving medications. They will make other recommendations based on your specific condition.

• Allergy-related pink eye. Prescription or over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants are first-line treatments.
• Bacterial pink eye. Antibiotic eye drops, ointments or pills treat these infections.
• Fungal pink eye. Prescription antifungal and antiparasitic medications can combat these infections.
• Viral pink eye. Most cases of viral pink eye go away on their own. Our providers will prescribe antiviral medication to treat instances caused by the herpes simplex virus, chicken pox, shingles or a sexually transmitted infection.

You can prevent many types of pink eye. Several steps can lower your risk.

• Be careful with eye drop bottles (wash your hands before using them and never let them touch your eye)
• Change your pillowcases often
• Never share items that touch your eyes, including contact solution, cosmetics or hygiene products
• Use clean towels and washcloths every day
• Use eye protection during activities that could damage your eyes
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol)

If allergies or irritation cause your pink eye, you won’t need to stay home from work or school. If bacteria or a virus cause your case, you should not return to your usual activities until you are no longer contagious. This time frame is usually 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment for bacterial pink eye or seven days for a viral infection. In either case, to avoid spreading pink eye to other people, you should be free of these symptoms:

• Crusting around your eyelashes or in the corners of your eyes
• Pink color in your eyes
• Yellowish discharge