Preventing Pink Eye

Pink eye involves inflammation of the conjunctiva in the eye. The conjunctiva covers the white part of the eye. Since this part of the eye is white, when it becomes inflamed, the redness is very apparent. This is where the name “pink eye” came from.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most cases of pink eye get better without treatment. 
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Typically, symptoms resolve in about a week to 10 days. If symptoms last longer, it could be signs of a more serious infection. 
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Symptoms

Symptoms of pink eye can develop in one eye or both. Typical symptoms include:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• A gritty feeling in the eyes
• Discharge from the eyes
• Excess tearing
• Sensitivity to light 

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Causes

Pink eye can develop due to different types of infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal. In some cases, pink eye is not due to an infection. Instead, it is caused by an allergic reaction. 

​Treatment 

Treatment for pink eye usually involves reducing symptoms. If a bacterial infection occurs, your doctor may recommend antibiotics. Other types of treatment are not needed but may help ease discomfort. Treatment includes:

• Steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation
• Eye drops to ease irritation
• Warm compresses  

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Prevention  

Pink eye is very contagious, but there are ways to decrease becoming infected. Also, if you or a family member develops pink eye, there are steps to take that may prevent the infection from spreading.

If you have a family member with pink eye, clean all surfaces they touch. Someone with pink eye that touches a surface can spread the infection. If another person touches the same surface and then rubs their eye, infection is possible.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some forms of bacteria can live on a surface for up to two days. Viruses can hang around for a day or two on an object. This is why cleaning surfaces someone with pink eye touched is important.

Additional ways to prevent getting and spreading pink eye include:

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands. Try to get out of the habit of touching your eyes if possible. Also, be sure to wash your hands before putting in and removing contacts.
• Do not share items such as makeup, towels, contact lens cases, and eyeglasses.
• Always use a clean tissue when wiping your eyes.
• Replace makeup if you have had an eye infection.
• Clean your contact lenses as recommended by the manufacturer.
• If you have pink eye, do not wear contact lenses until the infection has cleared.
• If you have symptoms of pink eye, it is best to see an eye doctor to confirm a diagnosis. 

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When to see a doctor

Although most cases of pink eye do not cause significant problems, there are cases when you should see a doctor. Consider seeing a doctor in the following situations:

• You have pain in your eyes
• You have a large amount of mucus coming out of your eyes
• Changes in your vision develop, including blurry vision
• Symptoms do not improve in about a week
• You have a health condition that weakens your immune system
• You take medication that interferes with your ability to fight an infection
• You get pink eye repeatedly

We are happy to answer any questions you have about pink eye or any other eye health topic. Also, if you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.