Pink Eye 101: What You Need to Know and When to See An Eye Doctor
It’s always a good idea to visit an eye doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms of pink eye. An untreated case of pink eye or mistaken self-diagnosis of symptoms, may lead to complications, and in rare cases, more serious eye conditions.
The good news? With prompt care, pink eye typically clears up quickly—sometimes within 24 hours if it’s bacterial, or within a few days if it’s viral.
What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin tissue covering the white part of your eye. It's often caused by a virus but can also result from bacterial infections, allergies (like pollen, mold, or makeup), or chemical irritants. While it’s usually not serious, pink eye can be uncomfortable and contagious, making it important to seek the right treatment.
Visit an Eye Doctor?
If you suspect you have pink eye, it’s best to visit an eye doctor, who has the tools and expertise to diagnose the cause of your symptoms. However, if you’re experiencing severe symptoms—like intense eye pain, vision loss, or sensitivity to light—and can’t reach an eye doctor near you, heading to urgent care or the emergency room is a good next step.
You should call right away to schedule an emergency eye exam if:
- You wear contact lenses and have severe pink eye symptoms.
- You experience vision issues or significant eye pain.
- You develop a fever alongside your symptoms.
- If the patient is an infant
- Your symptoms continue to get worse
- You have a weakened immune system
At Washington Eye Institute, Dr. Misbah Shafiq, O.D., Dr. Michael Summerfield, MD, Dr. Joseph Mekhail, MD, Dr. Sarah Chang, MD, Dr. Sunil Bellur, MD, Dr. Rajini Seevaratnam, O.D., Dr. Diana Chu, O.D., and Dr. Debra Weltman, O.D., bring years of experience in treating urgent eye conditions. Our dedicated team is committed to providing fast, expert care to safeguard your vision during emergencies.
Different Types of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Viral Conjunctivitis
- Cause: Most often caused by adenovirus but can also be due to other viruses like enterovirus, herpes simplex or varicella-zoster.
- Symptoms: Red, watery eyes, itching, light sensitivity, often occurring with cold or sore throat symptoms.
- Contagious: Yes, it spreads easily through contact with infected eye fluids. A person with viral conjunctivitis remains contagious for around 10-12 days after symptoms first appear.
- Treatment: There’s no specific treatment, but the infection usually clears up within a week on its own. In some cases antiviral medication may be prescribed.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Cause: Often due to improper contact lens use or poor hygiene, and can occur alongside colds. Bacterial conjunctivitis accounts for over 50% of cases in children, and is especially common in kids under 4, but is less common in adults.
- Symptoms: Thick, yellow or green discharge, redness, and discomfort in one or both eyes.
- Contagious: Yes, it spreads through direct contact with infected eye secretions. Without treatment it typically lasts for 7-10 days, with antibiotics it typically clears up after 24-48 hours.
- Treatment: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are typically prescribed, and symptoms usually improve within a few days.
Irritant, Chemical, or Traumatic Conjunctivitis
- Cause: Irritant and traumatic conjunctivitis can result from dry eye, chemical splashes (such as acid or alkali), foreign bodies in the eye, eye irrigation, abrasions, or blunt trauma. Minor irritants, like swimming pool chlorine or fumes, typically cause mild symptoms, while chemical splashes or traumatic conjunctivitis tend to be more serious and require prompt attention. Redness and discharge may persist for 12 to 24 hours after a foreign body is expelled.
- Symptoms: Discharge that is more mucus than tears in addition to typical pink eye symptoms in mild cases. More serious cases can include large amounts of swelling, severe pain, and decreased vision.
- Contagious: No.
- Treatment: For mild cases flushing the eye with saline or running water to remove the irritant will tend to clear up the symptoms after 24 hours.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Cause: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander. Estimates are that more than 15% of people experience allergic conjunctivitis because of seasonal allergies.
- Symptoms: Red, itchy, watery eyes, often with sneezing and a runny nose.
- Contagious: No, it’s an allergic reaction and cannot be spread to others.
- Treatment: Allergy eye drops can help, and avoiding allergens can prevent symptoms.
A Breakdown by Type
All forms of conjunctivitis typically share these common symptoms:
- Redness: The eyes often appear red or bloodshot in all forms of conjunctivitis due to inflammation.
- Watery eyes: Increased tearing is common across all types, although the amount may vary.
- Irritation or discomfort: A gritty, burning, or irritating sensation is present in all forms.
- Swelling: Eyelid or conjunctival swelling can occur in all cases, though the severity may differ.
- Crusting of the eyelids: The discharge often causes crusting along the eyelashes, which can make it difficult to open the eyes in the morning.
Is It Bacterial Conjunctivitis? Key Symptoms to Watch For
- Thick, yellow or green discharge: One of the hallmark signs of bacterial conjunctivitis is a sticky, thick discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep.
- Swollen eyelids: The eyelids may become puffy or swollen due to the infection.
- Foreign body sensation: Similar to viral conjunctivitis, some people may feel like there’s something stuck in their eye.
- Blurred vision: The thick discharge can blur vision temporarily.
- Mild sensitivity to light (photophobia): While not as common as in viral cases, some people may experience light sensitivity.
- Sinus infections can lead to bacterial conjunctivitis due to the spread of bacteria from the nasal cavity to the eyes.
- Ear infections, especially in children, are also linked to bacterial conjunctivitis, as the bacteria from the ear can migrate through connected passages.
Common Symptoms of Viral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
- Feeling like something is in your eye: It may feel like there’s something stuck in your eye, even when there isn’t.
- Mild Sensitivity to light (photophobia): Bright lights might make your eyes feel uncomfortable or irritated.
- Blurry vision: Your vision may temporarily become blurry due to excess tearing or discharge.
- Cold symptoms: Viral pink eye is often caused by the same virus that causes the common cold (adenovirus). You may also notice swollen lymph nodes near your ear or jaw, along with cold symptoms like a sore throat or runny nose.
What are common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?
- Itching: Patients frequently rub their eyes due to severe itching, which is the most common symptom.
- Swelling (conjunctival edema/chemosis): Swelling of the conjunctiva (the outermost layer of the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid), causing puffiness around the eyes.
- Mild mucous discharge: A small amount of mucus may be present, often mixed with watery discharge.
- Sneezing and nasal discharge (rhinoconjunctivitis): Allergic conjunctivitis is often accompanied by sneezing and a runny nose.
What are common symptoms of irritant, chemical, or traumatic conjunctivitis?
- Watery Discharge: The discharge from the eye is more watery or mucous-like, rather than thick and pus-like.
- Lower Eye Inflammation: The lower part of the eye is more affected than the upper part, especially if it’s due to a chemical splash.
Our team of optometrists and ophthalmologists have extensive experience treating all forms of eye infections. With specialists in virtually all facets of eye disease, we are the experts in ocular health. You can feel confident that you are receiving the very best care with our eye doctors. With locations in Greenbelt, Rockville, and Cumberland, Washington Eye Institute serves patients from the Washington, D.C. Metro Area for comprehensive and expert emergency eye care.
When you schedule a comprehensive or emergency eye exam with us you can rest assured of the highest standard of care with the latest advancements in technology. Our technology advantage provides our eye doctors access to a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan for any form of eye infection or eye emergency.
Home Care Tips
While waiting for your appointment you should:
- Stop wearing contact lenses until the infection clears.
- Avoid using eye makeup, and toss any makeup used while you were infected.
- Use clean towels and washcloths, and avoid sharing them with others.
- Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes.
- Apply a cool compress to relieve irritation.
When Should Kids Stay Home From An Eye Infection?
In the U.S., pink eye causes approximately 3 million lost school days annually, mostly due to bacterial conjunctivitis in younger children.
If their symptoms don’t improve after starting antibiotics or if they’re still contagious, it’s best to keep them home to prevent spreading the infection.
Cause Permanent Damage?
Though rare, untreated pink eye can lead to serious complications, including permanent eye damage. Newborns, in particular, are at risk of severe infections if exposed to bacteria during childbirth, so prenatal care and screenings are essential. Additionally, some viral infections, like epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), can lead to scarring if not properly treated.
Prevention Pink Eye and Good Hygiene Practices
Preventing pink eye is all about hygiene:
- Wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your eyes.
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels, makeup, and eye drops.
- Replace contact lenses, cases, and any eye makeup after recovering from pink eye to avoid re-infection.
If you follow these tips and get timely care, pink eye usually clears up without any lasting issues. If you’re experiencing symptoms and aren’t sure what’s causing them, don’t hesitate to contact us for an exam. We’re here to help ensure your eyes stay healthy and clear.
Schedule An Eye Exam For Pink Eye
Our practice takes a comprehensive approach to eye infections, tailoring treatments to your specific condition. From common infections to rare challenges, our experienced team is well-equipped to diagnose and provide targeted care. With a focus on your comfort and safety, we employ advanced treatments, ensuring swift recovery and restored visual wellness. At Washington Eye Institute, we specialize in delivering high-quality emergency eye care services across our three convenient locations. Our state-of-the-art clinics are equipped to handle a wide range of urgent eye conditions, and our experienced team of eye doctors is committed to providing immediate, personalized care. Patients from Greenbelt, Rockville, Cumberland, and surrounding areas trust us with their eye emergencies, whether it's sudden vision loss, an eye injury, or another urgent issue. Washington Eye Institute is here to protect your vision when you need expert care the most.
