The Very Contagious Pink Eye

Pink, itchy eyes are more than an irritation, Pink eye, or viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, is highly contagious and can lead to discomfort, blurred vision and discharge in the eyes.

Pink eye is highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person. You can greatly reduce the risk of getting conjunctivitis or spreading it to someone else by following some simple steps for good hygiene.

What Is Pink Eye?

Tissue lines the inside of the eyelid and outer eye and keeps the eye properly moist. Because of infection, blood vessels in this clear layer (conjunctiva) can become inflamed in a condition commonly known as “pink eye,” a name that is based on the pinkish color that the eyes become from inflamed blood vessels.

Pink eye is an infection of the eye that is common to both children and adults and can occur for a variety of reasons.

“Conjunctivitis can be viral, allergic or bacterial and you can get it in both eyes,” said Lindsay Vanlaere, RN FNP-BC at Franciscan ExpressCare in West Lafayette.

Common triggers of pink eye include:

• Ragweed, grass, tree and other pollens.
• Animal dander or secretions, such as saliva.
• Irritating cosmetics, perfumes or medications.
• Smoke and air pollution.

What Are Symptoms Of Pink Eye?

Common symptoms of pink eye include:

• Increased production of tears
• Pink or red color in the white part of the eye(s) or inner eyelid
• Blurred vision
• Yellow discharge that hardens, possibly preventing opening of the infected eye(s)
• Green or white discharge from the eye(s)
• Itching or burning feeling in the eye(s)
• A grainy feeling in the eye(s)
• Greater light sensitivity

According to Vanlaere, pink eye is highly contagious. “It is necessary to see a doctor for pink eye when symptoms start,” she said.

Do I Need To See A Doctor If I Have Pink Eye?

A doctor will likely ask about the start, severity and nature of your pink eye symptoms to appropriately determine whether the symptoms represent pink eye. A doctor also may ask about contact lens use and recent contact with sick individuals. A doctor will likely examine the eyes, and possibly sample eye fluids to identify germs that cause pink eye.

Will Pink Eye Affect My Vision?

Pink eye is a bothersome condition, but it does not often seriously affect vision. If due to an infection, pink eye can spread quite easily. However, pink eye does not necessarily represent a serious condition if it is quickly diagnosed and treated. Other, potentially more serious eye conditions have the same symptoms as pink eye, so you should see a doctor if symptoms occur.

How Long Am I Contagious With Pink Eye?

Pink eye is contagious for up to two weeks after the first sign.

“You can be contagious while pink eye symptoms persist and should be cautious with handwashing and hygiene,” Vanlaere said.

How Is Pink Eye Treated?

Treatments for pink eye are different for the various causes. “Treatment for pink eye is normally an antibiotic drop that you will place in your eye multiple times a day for at least 3-5 days,” Vanlaere said.

If used as instructed, pink eye symptoms usually will improve within a few days. There are no available treatments for pink eye caused by a viral infection. If the source of pink eye is an allergy, a doctor might prescribe antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids or decongestants. Antibiotics usually are prescribed for treatment of sexually transmitted forms of pink eye.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, to reduce bacterial or viral pink eye symptoms you can:

• Take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain killer.
• Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears).
• Put a warm, damp washcloth over your eyes for a few minutes. To make this warm compress:
• Soak a clean washcloth in warm water then wring it out so it’s not dripping.
• Lay the damp cloth over your eyes and leave it in place until it cools.
• Repeat this several times a day, or as often as is comfortable.
• Use a clean washcloth each time so you don't spread the infection.
• Use a different washcloth for each eye if you have infectious pink eye in both eyes.
• If your eyelids are sticking together, a warm washcloth can loosen the dried mucus so you can open your eyes.

Those with pink eye may be advised to stay home from school or work for several days (3 - 5 days usually).

How Can I Avoid Getting Pink Eye Again?

Vanlaere has a tip for individuals who wear contacts: “It is important to take those out and throw them away. Do not wear them until eye or eyes are cleared. If you have non-disposable contacts then you can store in disinfecting solution for 24 hours, rinse and can place back in eyes,” Vanlaere said.

She also noted that since pink eye is highly contagious, you should keep up with good hygiene practices.

“You should be washing your hands often. Please try and keep hands away from eyes,” Vanlaere said.

Pink eye is often looked at negatively and people fear it.

“Pink eye is not something to be scared of. It is treatable. It is not something you want to get repeatedly or eventually it can cause damage to the eye,” Vanlaere said.