If your child is rubbing their eyes constantly and has puffy, red eyes, or if your own eyes are red and irritated, you might be dealing with pink eye. This common condition affects both children and adults and can disrupt school, work, or daily activities. Our friendly, knowledgeable eye doctors in Madison can identify the type of pink eye during a comprehensive eye exam and recommend solutions to speed up recovery and relieve irritation and discomfort.
This blog covers how to recognize pink eye, what causes it, and steps you can take to prevent it from spreading.
What is pink eye?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, happens when the thin layer covering the white of the eye and the inner eyelids becomes inflamed. Symptoms can include redness, itching, watery eyes, or thick, gooey discharge. Some forms are mild and resolve on their own without treatment, while others require prompt attention to avoid spreading or complications.
How do you get pink eye?
Pink eye has a few different causes:
1. Viral conjunctivitis
Viruses, including those that cause the common cold, can infect the eyes and lead to redness, watering, and irritation. This type usually clears on its own but spreads easily through touch or close contact.¹
2. Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacteria can cause pink eye with noticeable redness, swelling, and thick yellow or green discharge. The infection spreads quickly when direct contact is made with infected eye secretions or contaminated items.
3. Allergic conjunctivitis
Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander can trigger itchy, watery, and red eyes. Allergic pink eye does not spread from person to person.¹
Signs of pink eye
You might have pink eye if you experience these symptoms¹:
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Itching, burning, or scratchy sensations
- A feeling of grittiness in the eyes
- Increased tearing
- Watery or sticky discharge
- Crusty eyelids, especially in the morning
- Sensitivity to light
Identifying pink eye early can make treatment easier and prevent it from spreading to others.
How long does pink eye last?
The duration depends on the type of pink eye:
- Viral pink eye: Usually clears on its own within one to two weeks.²
- Bacterial pink eye: Often improves in two to five days with proper treatment, though full recovery can take two weeks or longer.²
- Allergic pink eye: Symptoms continue as long as you remain exposed to the allergen.
Pink eye treatment
If symptoms worsen or don’t improve within 24 hours, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. Our experienced optometrists in Madison can examine your eyes, determine the type of pink eye, and recommend the right treatment.
Conjunctivitis treatment plans vary depending on the cause and type:
- Viral: Use artificial tears and cold compresses to relieve discomfort.
- Bacterial: Prescription antibiotic drops or ointments help clear up the infection and prevent pink eye from spreading.
- Allergic: Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops reduce redness and irritation, and avoiding triggers prevents flare-ups.
If your child is showing signs of pink eye, they should see a pediatric eye doctor promptly to reduce the risk of spreading infection or developing complications.
If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses until your eyes are fully healed. Once the infection resolves, start fresh with a new set of lenses and a clean case.
Preventing pink eye
To reduce your risk of infection or spreading pink eye³:
- Wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes
- Do not use the same eye drop bottle for infected and non-infected eyes
- Regularly wash towels, pillowcases, sheets, and washcloths with hot water and detergent
- Wipe away discharge gently with a clean, damp cloth or fresh cotton ball
- Avoid sharing personal items like makeup, towels, or pillows
- Clean, store, and replace your contact lenses as recommended by your eye doctor
- If you have conjunctivitis, wear glasses instead of contact lenses and keep your glasses clean
Keep your eyes healthy and comfortable
Pink eye can cause discomfort and disrupt your day, but proper care can help you recover faster. Our skilled team can identify the cause, recommend the right treatment, and provide tips to maintain healthy eyes for you and your family.
Schedule an appointment with Specs of Madison today to relieve irritation, protect your vision, and keep your eyes healthy.
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