If your child is constantly rubbing their eyes or complaining of blurry vision, or if your eyes are red and irritated, it could be pink eye. Both adults and children can experience this common eye condition, which can disrupt school, work, or daily life. Our experienced eye doctors in Murfreesboro can identify the type of pink eye during a comprehensive eye exam and provide guidance for safe, effective care.
Keep reading to learn more about pink eye, including how to spot it, what causes it, and ways to prevent it from spreading.
What is pink eye?
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, happens when the thin layer covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelids becomes inflamed. Symptoms often include redness, itching, tearing, or discharge. Some cases are mild, but others can spread quickly or require prescription treatment to avoid complications.
How do you get pink eye?
Pink eye can occur for different reasons:
1. Viral conjunctivitis
Viruses, often the same ones that cause colds, can lead to watery, red, and irritated eyes. Viral pink eye usually resolves on its own, but it spreads easily from person to person.¹
2. Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial infections can cause red, swollen eyes with thick yellow or green discharge. This type of pink eye spreads rapidly through contact with infected eye secretions or contaminated objects.
3. Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or pet dander can lead to itchy, red, and watery eyes. Allergic pink eye does not spread between people.¹
Signs of pink eye
Symptoms of pink eye may include¹:
- Redness in one or both eyes
- An itching or burning sensation
- Grittiness or scratchiness
- Increased tearing
- Watery or thick discharge
- Crusting on the eyelids, especially in the morning
- Sensitivity to light
Spotting pink eye symptoms early allows you to get care quickly and helps prevent the spread of infection.
How long does pink eye last?
The duration depends on the type of pink eye:
- Viral pink eye: This type of pink eye often improves within one to two weeks without medication.²
- Bacterial pink eye: Symptoms usually resolve in two to five days with proper treatment, but it can take two weeks or more to go away entirely.²
- Allergic pink eye: Symptoms continue as long as exposure to allergens persists.
Pink eye treatment
If your pink eye causes pain or doesn’t improve within 24 hours, it’s best to visit an eye doctor. They can examine your eyes, identify the type of pink eye, and recommend the most effective treatment.
Your treatment plan will vary based on the cause and type of conjunctivitis you have:
- Viral: Artificial tears and cool compresses soothe irritation as the infection runs its course.
- Bacterial: Prescription antibiotic drops or ointments clear up the infection and reduce the risk of spreading pink eye.
- Allergic: Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops can reduce redness and itching, while staying away from triggers helps keep flare-ups under control.
Children should see a pediatric eye doctor promptly if they show symptoms to prevent the spread of pink eye and complications.
If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses until your eyes feel better. Use a new set of lenses and a clean case once the infection clears.
Tips to prevent pink eye
Follow these practices to lower the risk of developing or spreading pink eye³:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
- Don’t share eye drops between infected and non-infected eyes
- Wash towels, pillowcases, sheets, and washcloths regularly in hot water and detergent
- Gently remove any discharge from your eyes using a clean, damp cloth or fresh cotton ball
- Avoid sharing personal items like makeup brushes, towels, or pillows
- Keep glasses and contact lenses clean
Protect your eyes and comfort
Pink eye can be irritating and disrupt your day, but proper care helps speed up recovery and prevent complications. Our skilled optometrists can identify the cause, recommend treatment, and provide tips to keep your eyes healthy.
Schedule an appointment with Integrity Eye Care today to relieve irritation, safeguard your vision, and keep your eyes and your family’s eyes healthy.
References:
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis). mayoclinic.org
- Treatment for pink eye. nei.nih.gov
- How to prevent pink eye. cdc.gov
