Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid. This article will explore the symptoms, causes and treatment of pink eye, or conjunctivitis.

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is caused by a range of factors including bacterial infections, viral infections, allergies and irritants. The most common pink eye symptoms, or symptoms of conjunctivitis, are a reddening of the conjunctiva, itchy eyes, sore eyes and discharge from the eye. Treatment for pink eye or conjunctivitis is dependent upon what type of pink eye a person has. Treatment for allergic conjunctivitis may include antihistamines, whilst viral and bacterial conjunctivitis treatment may include eye drops to alleviate symptoms.

What is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is the inflammation, irritation or infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva refers to the clear membrane that sits over the white parts of the eyes and the inner the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is referred to as pink eye due to the reddening of the conjunctiva that occurs when infected or inflamed. Pink eye or conjunctivitis is a common eye problem. According to The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, conjunctivitis is an especially common eye infection in children under five.

There are several types of conjunctivitis including bacterial, viral and allergic conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, that is caused by viral or bacterial infections are contagious, whilst allergic conjunctivitis, which occurs due to irritants such as pollen or dust, are not contagious. According to The Royal Children’s Hospital of Melbourne, conjunctivitis can last from two days to three weeks. If pink eye occurs as a result of infection, symptoms usually begin to develop after two days. Conjunctivitis will be infectious until the eye discharge that accompanies the condition is gone.

Who Commonly Catches Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can be caught by anyone. According to the National Eye Institute, pink eye is one of the most common eye conditions for children and adults. Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis is generally caught through contact with other infected people or surfaces, or through airborne particles generated by coughing and sneezing.

What are the Different Types of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

The different types of pink eye or conjunctivitis are bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis. The different types of pink eye (conjunctivitis) and their features are listed below.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is caused by an infection from bacteria. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious and symptoms can include red conjunctiva, itchy eyes, burning eyes, and white or yellow discharge from the eye that forms a crust during the night.
Viral Conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is caused by a virus. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and symptoms include can red eyes and water like discharge from the eye.
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is caused by an allergic reaction to an irritant, as opposed to a virus or type of bacteria. Pollen, animal dander, dust and chemicals are types of irritants that cause allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjuncitivis is not contagious and symptoms may include red eyes, watery eyes or itchy eyes.

What are the Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Symptoms?

The pink eye or conjunctivitis symptoms a person experiences, are largely dependent upon what type of pink eye they have. The answer to the question what are the symptoms of pink eyes, can also be dictated by what stage the condition is at. Early stage pink eye symptoms may include red conjunctiva and a scratchy, gritty feeling in the eyes. The other common symptoms of pink eye include enlarged or inflamed conjunctiva, itchy eyes and eye discharge. Possible pink eye symptoms are listed below.

Having a red inner eyelid or the white of the eye: A reddening of the whites of the eye and the inner eyelid is a common symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eye.
Tearing: Eyes that tear up, are watery, or have watery discharge, may also be a symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eye.
An enlarged conjunctiva: A swollen or inflamed conjunctiva, or the white parts of the eye and the eyelid, is a common symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eye.
Scratchy Eyes: Eyes that feel scratchy, itchy or gritty, may be a symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eye.
Stinging Eyes: A burning or stinging sensation in the eyes is a possible symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eye.
Distorted vision: Distorted vision, such as blurriness, may be a symptom of conjunctivitis, however, it can also be an indication of another medical condition and should be given urgent medical care.
Discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night, that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning: Eye discharge is a common symptom of bacterial pink eye, or conjunctivitis, that appears during the day, but can also form a crust overnight that prevents your eye or eyes from opening in the morning.
Eyes that become more sensitive to light: Sensitivity to light may be a symptom of conjunctivitis, however, it may also be an indication of another medical condition which should be assessed by a medical professional.
Eye discharge that is either green or white: If your eye has discharge that is yellow, white, green or watery, this is a possible symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eye.
Lymph nodes that are swollen (from a viral infection): If conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is caused by a viral infection, you may also experience swollen lymph nodes in conjunction with other symptoms such as red eyes and eye discharge. Swollen lymph nodes can also be an indication of another medical condition and should be checked by a medical professional.

If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention as they may also be an indication of other medical conditions.

1. Having a Red Inner Eyelid or the White of the Eye

Having a red inner eyelid or white of the eye, is a common symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eye. The conjunctiva is the thin, clear, mucus membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inner eyelids. If the conjunctiva is red or a pinkish colour, this can be a symptom of pink eye or conjunctivitis. It is this reddening of the eye that gives conjunctivitis its name ‘pink eye’.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), the inner eyelid and the white of the eye turns red or pink during conjunctivitis due to inflammation and enlargement of blood vessels. Having a red inner eyelid or white of the eye, is a common symptom of conjunctivitis across all types including viral, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

2. Tearing

Tearing or watery eyes are a common symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eye. Tearing or watery eyes, describes eyes that are constantly producing liquid or tears. The eyes may tear excessively during conjunctivitis due to irritation of the conjunctiva. Tearing or watery eyes are a common symptom of bacterial, viral and allergic conjunctivitis.

3. An Enlarged Conjunctiva

An enlarged conjunctiva is a common symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eye. An enlarged conjunctiva refers to the swelling or inflammation of the whites of the eye and the inner eyelid. This swelling may make the conjunctiva look puffy or larger than normal.

If a person has pink eye, the conjunctiva may become enlarged, or swollen due to the inflammation and irritation caused by the conjunctivitis. When the small blood vessels in the eye become irritated and all inflamed, they may swell, causing this enlarged conjunctiva. An enlarged or swollen conjunctiva is a common symptom of bacterial, viral and allergic conjunctivitis.

4. Scratchy Eyes

Scratchy eyes are a common symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eye. Scratchy eyes describe a rough feeling in the eye that causes irritation, discomfort, and the need to itch the eye. Scratchy eyes may also be called itchy eyes. Scratchy eyes may be accompanied by a gritty feeling in the eyes, like there is something stuck in your eye.

If a person has conjunctivitis, scratchy eyes, itchy eyes or a gritty feeling in the eyes, may be caused by the irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva. Scratchy eyes, itchy eyes, or a gritty feeling in the eyes is a symptom that may occur in bacterial, viral and allergic conjunctivitis.

5. Stinging Eyes

Stinging eyes are a possible symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eyes. Stinging eyes describes a feeling in the eyes that is like a tingling or burning sensation, with an urge to itch or rub the eyes. If you have conjunctivitis or pink eye, stinging eyes may be caused by the irritation of the conjunctiva. Stinging eyes are a symptom that may occur in bacterial, viral and allergic conjunctivitis.

6. Distorted Vision

Distorted vision may be a symptom of conjunctivitis, however, changes to vision may also be an indication of another medical condition and should be given urgent medical care.

In the context of conjunctivitis, or pink eye, distorted vision usually refers to blurry vision or glare when looking at lights. According to the Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, blurry vision may be due to an inflammatory reaction from the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye covering the iris. Blurred vision can also be caused by discharge from the eye that should clear when wiped away.

Mild forms of pink eye or conjunctivitis should not distort vision. If you do have distorted vision it may be a sign of a more serious condition and you should seek medical attention.

7. Discharge in One or Both Eyes that Forms a Crust During the Night That May Prevent your Eye or Eyes from Opening in the Morning.

Eye discharge in one or both eyes, that forms a crust during the night, making it hard to open the eyes in the morning, is a possible symptom of pink eye, or conjunctivitis. According to Health Direct, eye discharge describes a secretion of fluids from the eye. If a person has pink eye or conjunctivitis, eye discharge can be present during the day, but also at night. When eye discharge dries during sleep, it may crust around the eyelids, making the opening of the eyes the next morning more difficult. There are several types of eye discharge including watery discharge and white discharge. The type of eye discharge and the exact cause can be dependent on the type of conjunctivitis a person has.

Eye discharge during a case of pink eye occurs due to the irritation or infection of the conjunctiva, with the overnight crusting due to a lack of blinking or clearing of the discharge. Unlike during the day, when we blink and the tear film of the eye keeps the eye moist, at night, the lack of blinking causes a build up of discharge, which leads to crusting. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), eye discharge that causes crusting overnight is usually caused by bacterial conjunctivitis, or pink eye.

8. Eyes that Become More Sensitive to Light

Eyes that become more sensitive to light may be a symptom of conjunctivitis, however, this is not as common as other symptoms, such as eye redness or discharge. If you have heightened sensitivity to light, it is important to seek medical care.

Light sensitivity, in the context of conjunctivitis, refers to eye pain or discomfort when the eyes are exposed to light. Light sensitivity during conjunctivitis may be caused by the swelling of the cornea, which leads to light scattering and therefore glare. Light sensitivity may also mean that the inflammation from the conjunctivitis has spread inwards and become Uveitis, which requires immediate professional attention. Generally, if conjunctivitis presents with light sensitivity it means it needs to be checked sooner rather than waiting it out.

9. Eye Discharge that is Either Green or White

Eye discharge that is either green or white, is a common symptom of conjunctivitis, or pink eye. Eye discharge is defined as a secretion of fluids from the eye. Eye discharge in cases of pink eye are usually caused by the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva.

According to Health Direct, there are different types of eye discharge depending on the type of conjunctivitis a person has. If a person has viral conjunctivitis or allergic conjunctivitis, the eye discharge is more likely to be clear. Yellow, white or green discharge is more common with bacterial conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the mucous membrane of the eye.

10. Lymph Nodes that are Swollen (Often from a Viral Infection)

Lymph nodes that are swollen may be a symptom of viral conjunctivitis. Lymph nodes are bean-like structures throughout the body, that are part of the immune system. Lymph nodes contain white blood cells that help fight infection in the body. When lymph nodes are swollen, this can be a sign that there is an infection in the body. If conjunctivitis, or pink eye, has been caused by a viral infection, the lymph nodes may swell, though this is usually in conjunction with other pink eye symptoms such as red eyes and eye discharge.

If you have swollen lymph nodes it is important to seek medical attention.

How Do Pink Eye Symptoms Feel?

Pink eye symptoms will feel different depending on what type of pink eye you have and the symptoms associated with that type of conjunctivitis. Those who have allergic, bacterial or viral conjunctivitis may have symptoms that make the eyes feel itchy, cause a burning sensation or feel watery. Those with bacterial pink eye, may have yellow, white or green discharge that makes the eye feel sticky.

What Causes Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

There are many different causes of pink eye (conjunctivitis), including bacteria, a chemical splash in the eye, a reaction to eye drops, a reaction to dust, smoke pollen, or other allergens, a reaction to contact lenses and viruses. The answers to the question how does pink eye start, or the causes of pink eye, are listed below.

Bacteria: Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria that enters the eye and infects the conjunctiva.
A chemical splash in the eye: Pink eye can start if chemicals come into contact with the eye which irritates the conjunctiva.
A reaction to eye drops: Eye drops can cause a type of conjunctivitis called contact dermatoconjunctivitis.
A reaction to dust, smoke, pollen, or other allergens: People who are allergic to irritants such as dust, smoke and pollen or other allergens, can contract allergic conjunctivitis if they come into contact with these irritants.
A reaction that affects people who wear contact lenses: Contact lenses may cause an allergic reaction called contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC). Contact lenses that are not cleaned properly may also cause conjunctivitis.
Viral infection: Conjunctivitis or pink eye, can be caused by a virus, like the virus that causes the common cold.

1. Bacteria

Bacteria refers to a single-celled organism that causes infection if it enters the body. Bacterial conjunctivitis or pink eye, is a type of conjunctiva that is caused by bacteria and is highly contagious meaning it can spread very easily to other people. The common types of bacteria that cause pink eye (conjunctivitis) include haemophilus influenzae, staphylococcus aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa and streptococcus pneumonia. For children with bacterial conjunctivitis, it is likely they will also have an ear infection as it is caused by the same bacteria. The specific symptoms of pink eye caused by bacteria include excessive amounts of discharge in the eye.

2. A Chemical Splash in the Eye

A chemical splash in the eye may cause a type of pink eye called irritant conjunctivitis. A chemical splash can include acid or alkaline substances. The symptoms of conjunctivitis caused by a chemical splash in the eye include mucous discharge and watery eyes. If you have a chemical splash in the eyes it is important to seek medical attention.

3. A Reaction to Eye Drops

A reaction to eye drops may cause a type of conjunctivitis or pink eye called contact dermatoconjunctivitis. Contact dermatoconjunctivitis is an allergic reaction, usually caused by medicated eye drops, often due to the preservative in the eye drop solution.

4. A Reaction to Dust, Smoke, Pollen, or Other Allergens

A reaction to dust, smoke, pollen, or other allergens can cause a type of pink eye, or conjunctivitis, called allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by a reaction to irritants or allergens. This reaction sets off the histamine response in the body which tries to expel the allergen from the body. The symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include itchy eyes, red eyes and clear, watery discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with antihistamines such as eye drops or oral tablets. Allergic conjunctivitis or pink eye is not contagious as it is caused by a reaction to allergens and not a virus or bacteria.

5. A Reaction that Affects People Who Wear Contact Lenses

People who wear contact lenses may have a reaction to their lenses that causes conjunctivitis, this is called contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC). Contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC) refers to an inflammatory condition affecting the transparent lining covering the upper eyelid. According to Cheryl Skotnitsky OD et. al, in their paper General and local contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC), the exact causes of this eye condition are not fully understood yet, but may be due to extended wear of reusable contact lenses and an immunological response to tear film fat deposits that build up on the lens. Symptoms of contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC) include itchy eyes, a sensation of something being stuck in the eye, lens dislocation, lens deposits, and eye discharge. According to The College of Optometrists, contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC) can be treated by making sure you are using good hygiene practice with your contact lenses. You may also be advised to change how frequently you wear them and change lens material.

Oscar Wylee does not sell contact lenses.

6. Viral Infection

A viral infection refers to an infection or illness caused by a type of virus. Viruses are infectious agents that multiply inside living cells. Common viral infections include the cold, influenza and COVID-19. Viruses can cause conjunctivitis or pink eye, known as viral conjunctivitis. The viruses that often cause viral conjunctivitis are connected to the common cold virus and include the adenovirus. Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis include burning eyes, red eyes and discharge that is watery, according to The American Academy of Ophthalmology. Viral conjunctivitis is highly infectious and can be spread through direct contact with a person or a surface infected with the virus, or indirectly through droplets that enter the body through the respiratory system.

What Causes Pink Eye in Adults?

What causes pink eye in adults is dependent on what type of pink eye (conjunctivitis) that they have. Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria that can be spread through direct hand to eye contact or indirectly through droplets from the respiratory tract. Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, often the same virus found in the common cold, and also spread through direct contact with someone or something with the virus, or indirectly through respiratory droplets. Pink eye can also be caused by an allergic reaction to irritants or allergens such as pollen, chemicals or animal dander. Pink eye is a common eye condition for adults, but viral and bacterial pink eye are also highly prevalent in children as, according to The American Academy of Ophthalmology, they come into contact with large amounts of people at school, and their hygiene practices are not as good as adults, facilitating the spread more easily.

What Causes Pink Eye in Children?

Pink eye in children is common and is caused by the same viruses, bacteria and allergies that cause pink eye in adults. The type of virus or bacteria that can lead to conjunctivitis for kids are also responsible for other infections such as ear infections, sore throats and colds. According to Nemours KidsHealth, children may develop types of non-infectious pink eye such as allergic and irritant conjunctivitis which is caused by environmental factors including pollen, dust and air pollution.

How to Treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis?)

The way to treat pink eye or conjunctivitis will be decided by a healthcare professional and can include synthetic tears, eye drops and applying a compress to the eye. The type of treatment that a healthcare professional will decide on is also determined by what type of conjunctivitis a person has. If someone has bacterial conjunctivitis, they may reccommend antibiotic eye drops. For allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamine may be recommended as a treatment option. The types of pink eye, or conjunctivitis treatments are listed below.

Using synthetic tears: Synthetic or artificial tears are used to bring lubrication to the eye, which may bring relief to those suffering from conjunctivitis.
Utilising a wet cloth to wipe your eyelids: Using a clean wet cloth to wipe around the eyes may help get rid of eye discharge and prevent crusting, but will not necessarily treat the pink eye.
Applying a warm or cold compress on a regular basis: Using a compress, either warm or cold, helps to manage pink eye or conjunctivitis by relieving the symptoms associated with the condition such as itching and swelling.
Antibiotic eye drops: Antibiotics may be prescribed in the form of eye drops if conjunctivitis has a bacterial cause.
Antihistamines: Antihistamines may be recommended to help treat allergic conjunctivitis as this medication can help reduce inflammation and symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes. Antihistamines come in oral tablets or as eye drops.
Avoid wearing contact lenses: It is recommended that those who wear contacts stop wearing them while they have pink eye, as contact lenses may slow the healing process down and continuously irritate the eyes.

1. Using Synthetic Tears

Using synthetic, or artificial tears, may be used in the treatment for conjunctivitis. Artificial tears are used to bring moisture into the eye and give it lubrication. Synthetic or artificial tears will not fix conjunctivitis, but may provide some relief from symptoms, including dry eyes. Synthetic tears may also help to flush out allergens and irritants in cases of allergic conjunctivitis.

2. Utilising a Wet Cloth to Wipe Your Eyelids

Utilising a wet cloth to wipe your eyelids is a way to help manage conjunctivitis. If a person has conjunctivitis that is causing discharge, a wet cloth, like a washcloth, can be used to wipe the outside of the eyes and remove some of this discharge. If you do use a cloth to wipe your eyes, use a new cloth every time and do not use the same cloth on both eyes, otherwise the infection may spread.

3. Applying Warm or Cold Compresses on a Regular Basis

Applying a warm or cold compress to the eye on a regular basis, can help to manage conjunctivitis or pink eye. In the context of treating conjunctivitis, a warm compress refers to warm, wet cloth that is applied to the body to increase blood flow and ease pain. A cold compress is a cool, wet cloth that is applied to the affected body part to relieve pain and swelling. Applying a warm compress to the closed eyelid, helps to bring moisture to the area and loosen any dry eye discharge. A cold compress applied to the closed eyelid, may help relieve the inflammation and itching associated with pink eye.

4. Antibiotic Eye Drops

Antibiotic drops may be prescribed by a healthcare professional to treat cases of conjunctivitis if it is caused by a bacterial infection or, if the infection is persisting. Antibiotics are a type of medication that helps fight bacteria. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibiotics may be prescribed in the form of eyedrops to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, by helping to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before you take any medication to ensure this is the best choice for you.

5. Antihistamines

Antihistamines may be recommended by a healthcare professional to help treat allergic conjunctivitis. Antihistamines are a type of medication that work to stop histamine, which is a chemical compound that reacts to inflammation in the body. Histamine attempts to fight inflammation. In the case of inflammation caused by allergies, this histamine response can manifest in sensations such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes. A health care professional may recommend antihistamines in cases of allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to irritants such as dust, animal dander, chemicals and pollen. Antihistamines may help to bring eye inflammation down and reduce conjunctivitis symptoms such as itchy eyes. Antihistamines can include oral tablets or eye drops.

It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before you take any medication to ensure this is the best choice for you.

6. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses

Avoid wearing contact lenses whilst treating pink eye, or conjunctivitis as they may slow down the healing process. Contact lenses are small lenses that sit over the front of the eye to help it see better. It is not recommended that a person with pink eye wear contact lenses as the constant putting in and taking out of the lenses may irritate the eye and slow down the healing process. Contact lenses may also spread the conjunctivitis to the other eye and to other surfaces such as the lenses case and to the hands.

It is recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional before you stop wearing contact lenses to ensure this is the best choice for you.

Oscar Wylee does not sell contact lenses.

What are the Risk Factors if Pink Eye is Not Treated on Time?

If treated on time, the risk factors of pink eye, or conjunctivitis are very minimal. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, will usually last from a few days, up to three weeks according to the Better Health channel, with no long term consequences if treated on time. If left untreated, a serious pink eye case may cause swelling on the cornea which may lead to vision problems. It is important to seek medical help for pink eyes as soon as possible.

What are the Best Eye Drops for Pink Eye?

The best eye drops for pink eye, or conjunctivitis, may include artificial tears, antihistamine eye drops and antibiotic eye drops. However, eye drops are not necessary to treat all cases of pink eye and you should consult with a doctor or health care professional before using them. The eye drops you are recommended by a health care professional will be dependent upon what type of conjunctivitis you have. The eye drops that may be used to treat pink eye, or conjunctivitis are listed below.

Artificial tears: Artificial tears help to bring moisture to the eye and relieve symptoms such as dry eyes and itchy eyes. For viral pink eye, artificial tears may be recommended but will not cure it, as a viral infection, much like a cold, usually has to run its course.
Antihistamine eye drops: If pink eye is caused by an allergic reaction, a doctor may recommend antihistamine eye drops which can help relieve itchy or watery eyes.
Antibiotic eye drops: Antibiotic eye drops, which are eye drops containing medication to combat the growth of bacteria and fight bacterial infections, may be prescribed if the type of pink eye you have is bacterial pink eye.

How Long Does Pink Eye Last?

Most cases of pink eye, or conjunctivitis, will usually last between 2 days to three weeks according to the Better Health channel. Depending on the type of pink eye and the severity of the condition, the condition may last longer. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Pink eye is generally contagious for as long as there is discharge from the eye.

What are Ways to Prevent Pink Eye from Spreading?

The ways to prevent pink eye from spreading include washing the hands often, avoiding touching the eyes, not sharing personal items and avoiding wearing contact lenses. Viral and bacterial pink eye, or conjunctivitis, are highly contagious, meaning they spread and can infect others. Pink eye is transmitted from person to person by direct contact such as touching, or indirectly, through airborne droplets in the respiratory tract. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by a reaction to an irritant and is not infectious. The ways to prevent pink eye from spreading are centred around good hygiene. The ways to prevent pink eye from spreading are listed below.

Use soap and water to wash your hands often: Keeping good hygiene by regularly washing the hands, helps to stop the bacteria or virus causing the conjunctivitis to spread.
Avoid touching or rubbing an inflamed eye (s): It is important to avoid touching or rubbing the eye that has conjunctivitis as this may irritate the eye and transfer the infection from one eye to another.
Use new cotton balls to wipe away any discharge from your eyes: If removing discharge from the eye with a material such as cotton ball, cotton pad or a washcloth, it is important to use a new, clean piece of material every time so you do not risk the infection spreading from eye to eye or worsening the infection.
Wash your hands after using eye drops or ointment: Washing your hands after using eye drops or ointment will help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis from eye to eye, or from touching surfaces which may infect others.
Avoid sharing personal goods like towels, cups, makeup, or contact lenses: To help prevent the spreading of conjunctivitis, it is important to avoid sharing any personal items with other people that are possibly infected with conjunctivitis.
Avoid wearing contact lenses: Your healthcare professional may suggest that you avoid wearing contact lenses whilst you have conjunctivitis as this can irritate the eye and contribute to spreading the eye condition.

1. Use Soap and Water to Often Wash Your Hands

Using soap and water to wash your hands often, is a good way to prevent conjunctivitis, or pink eye, from spreading. As viral or bacterial conjunctivitis can be spread by touching another person or from touching a surface that is contaminated, washing the hands can eliminate some of the germs present and help to stop the spread of conjunctivitis. It is best to wash the hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds for the best results.

2. Avoid Touching or Rubbing an Inflamed Eye (s)

Avoid touching or rubbing an inflamed eye if you have conjunctivitis, to help prevent its spread, as this ensures you do not transfer the infection from one eye to another, or to other people. If a person with viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, of which both are contagious, touches or rubs their eye, they will likely carry the infection on their hands. If someone with conjunctivitis rubs their infected eye, then rubs the other eye, or touches another person, they may spread the eye condition. It is important to avoid direct contact with the inflamed eye when you have conjunctivitis. If an eye with conjunctivitis is itching or scratching, there are ways to relieve these symptoms without rubbing the eye, including a cold compress or artificial tears.

3. Use New Cotton Balls to Wipe Away Any Discharge from Your Eyes

To prevent conjunctivitis or pink eye from spreading, it is important to use new cotton balls, cotton pads, or washcloths, to wipe away any discharge from your eyes as this will help maintain eye hygiene and stop the conjunctiva from entering the other eye, or touching other surfaces. Discharge from the eye refers to a secretion of fluid from the eye. Eye discharge from conjunctivitis is usually green, yellow, white or watery. Eye discharge from conjunctivitis or pink eye, may irritate the eye or begin to crust around the eye. Wiping discharge from the eyes may help reduce irritation, and help the eye open easier. It is important to use new cotton balls, cotton pads or washcloths every time a person wipes the eye so that the conjunctivitis does not spread from one to another and so you do not inflame the eye further by using the same, unclean cotton pad or washcloth.

4. Wash Your Hands After Using Eye Drops or Ointment

Washing your hands after using eye drops or ointment is a good way to stop the spread of pink eye or conjunctivitis as it prevents contamination between your hands, eyes and other people. Eye drops or ointment may be prescribed by a healthcare professional to help treat pink eye. Eye drops are liquid solutions that are placed into the eye using an eye drop. Eye ointment is generally placed on the eyelid or around the eye. Washing your hands after using eye drops helps to clean your hands of the bacteria or virus causing the infection and prevents the pink eye from spreading to the other eye or other people.

5. Avoid Sharing Personal Goods like Towels, Cups, Makeup, or Contact Lenses

Avoid sharing personal goods like towels, cups, makeup, or contact lenses to help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis, or pink eye, as it lessens the likelihood that the bacteria or virus causing the pink eye will come into contact with, and infect, another person. Conjunctivitis that is caused by viral or bacterial infections are contagious, meaning they spread from person to person through contact such as touching. Conjunctivitis can also spread through airborne droplets or on surfaces. If someone with conjunctivitis uses a personal good such as a towel, then another person uses it, there’s a chance that the conjunctivitis may spread to this surface and infect the eye. Avoiding sharing personal goods that may be contaminated with conjunctivitis, will help to lessen the spread.

6. Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses

Avoid wearing contact lenses if you have conjunctivitis as it may help to stop the spread of the eye condition. As contact lenses continuously touch the eye, it is best to leave them out and lessen the chance of contamination to hands, eyes and surfaces. Contact lenses are lenses that sit over the front of the eye to provide vision correction. It is not recommended that a person with conjunctivitis wear contact lenses as continuously taking the contacts in and out, could spread the pink eye to the other eye, to the lenses case, or you could continuously expose your eye to the infection.

It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before you stop wearing contact lenses to ensure this is the best choice for you.

Oscar Wylee does not sell contact lenses.

How Does Pink Eye Spread?

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, spreads primarily through direct contact, meaning the eye is touched by a hand or an object such as a towel, that is contaminated with bacteria or a virus. Pink eye or conjunctivitis can also be spread by airborne droplets that enter the body via the respiratory tract.

The answer to the question, how do you get pink eye, also depends on what type of conjunctivitis a person has. Viral conjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis are both contagious, meaning they will spread through direct or indirect contact. Allergic conjunctivitis or pink eye is a reaction to an irritant such as pollen, animal fur or chemicals and is not contagious.

Can Eyeglasses be Used to Prevent Pink Eye from Spreading?

Eyeglasses may be used to prevent pink eye from spreading as they can act as a physical barrier between the hands and eyes, stopping a person from touching the eyes and potentially spreading the infection. Eyeglasses, more generally referred to as glasses, are a type of eyewear that serve several purposes depending on the type. Optical glasses provide vision correction, whilst non-prescription glasses such as sunglasses provide protection from the sun and its UV rays. Though the primary use of eyeglasses is vision assistance and protection, they may act as a tool to prevent pink eye by making someone more conscious of touching the eyes, providing a physical barrier between the hands and the eyes. The less a person touches the eyes, the less likely they are to spread pink eye. If you have pink eye, it is also important to wash your glasses to help limit the spread.

When Do I Need to See a Doctor if I have Caught Pink Eye?

You should see your doctor for pink eye or conjunctivitis when symptoms begin, so that you get the appropriate treatment. Though some pink eye or conjunctivitis may go away on its own in a few days with home treatments, you should always seek medical attention if you are concerned about pink eye.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should also see a doctor if you have conjunctivitis in conjunction with the following symptoms; pain in the eye, light sensitivity, blurred vision, have a weakened immune system, or have symptoms that don’t improve with treatment.

Can Chlamydia Cause Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Yes, chlamydia can cause pink eye, or conjunctivitis. Chlamydial conjunctivitis is a type of bacterial infection. Chlamydial conjunctivitis usually occurs after the eye has been exposed to the bacteria that causes genital chlamydia, a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD). According to The College of Optometrists, Chlamydia conjunctivitis can cause eye irritation, discharge, swelling and will generally resolve with antibiotic treatment.

Can Gonorrhea Cause Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Gonorrhoea can cause pink eye, or conjunctivitis. Gonorrheal conjunctivitis is rare, but can be serious if left untreated. It is important to seek medical attention if you believe you have this condition. Gonorrheal conjunctivitis is a type of bacterial eye infection that is caused when the eyes have contact with the bacteria that causes genital gonorrhoea, a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Can Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Cause Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Yes Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, both Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), can cause pink eye or conjunctivitis if the bacteria causing the STD comes into contact with the eye.

Is Pink Eye Something to Worry About?

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is not usually something to worry about, as most cases resolve within a few weeks with the appropriate treatment. It is important to consult with a doctor if you believe you have pink eye, however, so you can receive this treatment.

Is Pink Eye Bacterial or Viral?

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can be bacterial, viral or allergic, depending on what has caused the conjunctivitis. Pink eye that is bacterial has been caused by a bacteria, whereas viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, usually similar to the common cold.