Conjunctivitis can occur in one or both eyes. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include: redness, itchiness, a gritty feeling, excessive tearing, or a discharge that forms a crust that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning. Treatment for conjunctivitis is typically focused on symptom relief. Artificial tears and eye compresses may alleviate symptoms. Contact lens wearers may need to stop wearing contacts until the infection resolves.
Antibiotic eye drops are typically not needed as most cases of conjunctivitis are caused by a virus; however, they may be prescribed for infections suspected to be caused by bacteria or herpes simplex virus. Allergic conjunctivitis may be treated with medications that help control allergic reactions, such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers, or drugs that help control inflammation, such as decongestants, steroids, and anti-inflammatory drops.
If you touch something with the virus or bacteria on it, and then touch your eyes, you can develop pink eye. Most bacteria can survive on a surface for up to eight hours , though some can live for a few days. Most viruses can survive for a couple days, with some lasting for two months on a surface. The infection can also be spread to others through close contact, such as a handshake, hug, or kiss.
Coughing and sneezing can also spread the infection. Pink eye is contagious once symptoms appear, and the condition remains contagious as long as there is tearing and discharge. Most cases are mild, with symptoms often clearing up within a few days.
If you have pink eye, you can return to work any time, but you will need to take precautions, such as washing your hands thoroughly after touching your eyes. The first sign of pink eye is a change in color of the white part of your eye, called the sclera. Covering the sclera is the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent membrane that becomes inflamed when you get pink eye.
The reason your eye looks red or pink is because the blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, making them more visible. In infants, a closed tear duct can irritate the eye.
Swimming in a pool with a lot of chlorine can redden your eyes, too. Pink eye can form in one or both eyes. If possible, you should avoid wearing your contacts while you have symptoms. In serious cases, conjunctivitis can cause some swelling in the lymph node near your ear. It may feel like a small lump. The lymph nodes help the body fight infections. Once the viral or bacterial infection is cleared up, the lymph node should shrink.
See a doctor if you notice conjunctivitis symptoms in your eyes or those of your child. An early diagnosis can help reduce symptoms and lower the odds of spreading the infection to other people. If your symptoms are mild and there are no signs of other health problems, such as a respiratory infection, earache, sore throat, or fever, you may be able to wait a day or two before seeing a doctor. If your symptoms subside, your symptoms may be caused by an irritation to the eye as opposed to an infection.
If your child develops pink eye symptoms, take them to a pediatrician promptly instead of waiting for symptoms to improve on their own.
During the appointment, your doctor will do a physical examination of the eyes and review your symptoms, as well as your medical history.
Bacterial pink eye tends to occur in one eye and may coincide with an ear infection. Viral pink eye usually appears in both eyes, and may develop along with a cold or respiratory infection. If you have pinkeye, it's important to wash your hands often, especially after touching your eyes.
The infection can easily spread from one eye to the other on contaminated hands or tissues. It's also wise not to share cosmetics, especially eye makeup. Bacteria can hang out on beauty products, so avoid using the testers at makeup counters directly on your eyes. And if you've already had a bout of pinkeye, throw away all your eye makeup and splurge on new stuff but don't start using your new products until the infection is completely gone.
If you wear contact lenses and you have pinkeye, your doctor or eye doctor may recommend that you not wear contact lenses while infected. After the infection is gone, clean your lenses carefully. Be sure to disinfect the lenses and case at least twice before wearing them again. If you wear disposable contact lenses, throw away your current pair and use a new pair.
If you know that you're prone to allergic conjunctivitis, limit allergy triggers in the home by keeping windows and doors closed on days when pollen is heavy and by not letting dust accumulate. Irritant conjunctivitis can only be prevented by avoiding the irritating causes. Placing cool or warm packs or washcloths over the infected eye or eyes can help. You can also take acetaminophen, if necessary.
Clean the infected eye carefully with warm water and fresh, clean gauze or cotton balls. Keep track of your symptoms, keep your hands clean, visit your doctor as needed, and follow your treatment instructions carefully. Within a week, your eyes should be feeling better. Reviewed by: Rachel S. Schare, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size.
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