If you have a red, itchy eye with discharge, then you may have pink eye. Also known as conjunctivitis, it’s the inflammation of the conjunctiva or the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye, according to WebMD. Pink eye can be present in one or both eyes.
How contagious is pink eye? The infection can be very contagious and early treatment can help you to feel better and limit its spread.
Pink Eye Symptoms
Along with itchy red eyes, you may experience the following symptoms:
-
- Eyes are producing more tears than normal
-
- Eyes are burning
-
- Your vision is blurry
-
- Your eyes are more sensitive to light
What Causes Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergies. According to the Mayo Clinic, “most cases of pink eye are caused by a virus.” It can also occur with a cold or respiratory infection.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is commonly caused by a staph or strep infection. Sometimes an infection can occur from wearing contact lenses that aren’t clean. In children, bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Moraxella catarrhalis (all common bacteria).
Viral and bacterial eye infections are highly contagious.
Can I Go to Work with Pink Eye? How to Limit the Spread
The Mayo Clinic suggests practicing good hygiene to limit the spread. These steps include:
-
- Washing your hands often
-
- Using clean towels
-
- Avoid touching your infected eye with your hands
-
- Not sharing towels
-
- Changing your pillowcases more frequently
-
- Throwing away your eye makeup
-
- Not sharing eye makeup
It’s advised not to go to work with pink eye. Ultimately the best way to lessen the spread of conjunctivitis is to stay home from work or school until 24 hours after starting treatment. However, the Mayo Clinic says pink eye is no more contagious than the common cold. So if you have to, it is okay to go to work or school. Practice good hygiene to limit its spread.
Pink Eye Treatment
Pink eye can be treated at home in some cases, according to the CDC. At-home treatment includes using a cold compress and eye drops, like artificial tears. If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them until you no longer have symptoms of the eye infection. For bacterial pink eye, antibiotic drops or ointment can help speed up the recovery. Primary care offices or urgent care clinics can prescribe the correct eye drops. Additionally, it is important to seek medical care if you experience:
-
- Pain in one eye or both
-
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light does not improve after you wipe your eyes
-
- Intense redness in one eye or both
-
- Symptoms that worsen or do not improve
-
- A weakened immune system
Pink Eye in Children
Just link in adults, symptoms often include watery or thick discharge, itchy or burning eyes, swollen eyelids, and sensitivity to light. Children may also wake up with crusted eyelashes or complain of a gritty feeling in the eye. While viral pink eye usually resolves on its own, bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops or ointment prescribed by a healthcare provider.
When Can My Child Return to School or Daycare?
Children should stay home if they have a fever, eye pain, or thick eye discharge. For bacterial pink eye, they can typically return to school or daycare 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, once symptoms have improved.
For viral pink eye, they should remain home until the redness and discharge lessen. Good hand hygiene and not sharing personal items like towels or pillows can help prevent the spread.
If you’re unsure about your child’s symptoms or when it’s safe to return to group settings, our urgent care team is here to help. Our Denver metro clinics treat patients of all ages and are open 7 days a week with evening hours. Walk-ins are welcome or you can pre-register online.