Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Understanding Pink Eye
Pink eye is one of the most common eye conditions we see in our practice, affecting people of all ages. Let's look at what pink eye is and how it affects your eyes.
The conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. When this tissue becomes inflamed or infected, tiny blood vessels inside become more visible, giving your eye a pink or red appearance. This inflammation also causes discomfort and other symptoms that can affect one or both eyes.
Pink eye is extremely common across all age groups. Children are especially susceptible because of close contact in schools and daycares, but adults get pink eye frequently too. Our eye doctor sees patients with this condition regularly, and the good news is that most cases are treatable and resolve without lasting problems.
Not all pink eye is contagious. Whether you can spread pink eye to others depends on what's causing it. Viral and bacterial forms are highly contagious and spread easily through contact. However, allergic and chemical pink eye are not contagious at all. Our eye doctor can help determine which type you have so you know what precautions to take.
Types of Pink Eye
There are several types of pink eye, and each has different causes and treatments. Understanding which type you have helps us provide the right care.
This is the most common type of pink eye and is usually caused by the same viruses that give you a cold or flu, particularly adenovirus. Viral pink eye is highly contagious and often starts in one eye before spreading to the other. It typically comes with other cold symptoms like a runny nose or sore throat. This type usually clears up on its own in one to three weeks without medication. In some cases, adenoviral pink eye can cause temporary vision blur from changes on the cornea, a condition called epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. Steroid drops should never be self-prescribed and are only used selectively by an eye doctor, as they can worsen certain infections such as herpes.
Bacterial pink eye happens when bacteria like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, or Haemophilus infect your eye. This type produces thick, sticky discharge that's often yellow or green and causes your eyelids to stick together, especially when you wake up. Bacterial pink eye is contagious, and many mild cases actually improve on their own without antibiotics. When antibiotics are prescribed, they can modestly shorten the length of infection and reduce the risk of spreading it to others. Our eye doctor will decide whether antibiotics are necessary based on your symptoms and risk factors.
Hyperacute pink eye with copious, thick yellow-green discharge and rapid swelling can be caused by gonorrhea and requires same-day evaluation and systemic antibiotics, not just eye drops. Chronic, often one-sided redness with mucus discharge can be due to chlamydia and also needs oral antibiotics to cure the infection completely. If you have any genital symptoms or potential exposure, tell our eye doctor so we can treat you correctly and help protect your partners from infection.
Allergic pink eye happens when your eyes react to allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. Unlike infectious types, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. It usually affects both eyes at the same time and causes intense itching along with redness. You might notice it comes and goes with seasons or happens when you're around certain triggers. Many people with allergic pink eye also have hay fever or other allergies.
This type occurs when an irritating substance gets in your eye. Common culprits include chlorine from swimming pools, smoke, air pollution, cleaning products, or other chemicals. Chemical pink eye is not infectious and causes immediate burning, stinging, and watering. The inflammation usually improves once you rinse your eye thoroughly and avoid the irritant, though severe chemical exposures require emergency medical attention.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The symptoms of pink eye can vary depending on what's causing it, but there are some signs that appear across all types. Knowing what to look for helps you recognize when you might have pink eye.
Most people with pink eye experience some combination of these symptoms:
- Redness in the white part of one or both eyes
- Increased tearing or watery eyes
- Discharge from the eye that may be clear, white, yellow, or green
- A gritty feeling, like there's sand in your eye
- Itching, burning, or general irritation
- Swollen eyelids
- Crusting of eyelashes, especially in the morning
If you have viral pink eye, you'll likely notice watery discharge rather than thick, sticky discharge. It often starts in one eye and spreads to the other within a few days. You might also have symptoms of a cold, like a runny nose, cough, or sore throat. The eye may feel irritated and look very red, but the itching is usually milder than with allergic pink eye.
Bacterial pink eye produces a thick, sticky discharge that's usually yellow or green. You may wake up with your eyelids stuck together from crusty buildup. Your eye will be red and irritated, and you might feel like something is in your eye. The discharge is the main clue that helps us distinguish bacterial pink eye from other types.
The hallmark of allergic pink eye is intense itching in both eyes that makes you want to rub them constantly. Your eyes will be red and may produce stringy, clear discharge. You'll likely have other allergy symptoms too, like sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy nose or throat. The symptoms often get worse when you're around your allergy triggers and improve when you're away from them.
When a chemical or irritant gets in your eye, you'll feel immediate burning, stinging, and excessive tearing. Your eye will quickly become red and inflamed. Depending on what got in your eye and how much, you may have blurred vision. If a chemical splashed in your eye, start rinsing immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes, holding your lids open. For strong alkalis like drain cleaner, flush even longer until you can get emergency care. Do not delay flushing to call us first.
Some symptoms mean you need to see an eye doctor the same day:
- Moderate to severe pain in your eye
- Marked sensitivity to light that makes it hard to keep your eyes open
- Vision loss or blurred vision that doesn't clear when you blink
- Contact lens wear with any pain or light sensitivity
- Copious yellow-green discharge or eyelid swelling that closes your eye
- History of eye injury, chemical splash, or foreign body
What Causes Pink Eye
Understanding what causes pink eye helps you avoid getting it and prevents spreading it to others. The causes vary by type.
Viral pink eye spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces. When someone with viral pink eye touches their eyes and then touches doorknobs, phones, or other surfaces, they leave behind virus particles that can infect you if you touch those surfaces and then touch your eyes. It also spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This is why viral pink eye often goes around schools, offices, and families.
Bacterial pink eye usually happens when bacteria transfer from your hands, face, or respiratory system to your eyes. Poor hand hygiene is a common culprit. It can also develop if you wear contact lenses that aren't properly cleaned or wear them longer than recommended. Sometimes bacteria from your own skin or respiratory tract cause the infection, especially if you have a sinus infection or touch your eyes with unwashed hands.
Allergic pink eye is triggered by substances your immune system reacts to. Common allergens include:
- Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds
- Dust mites in your home
- Pet dander from cats, dogs, and other animals
- Mold spores
- Certain cosmetics or personal care products
Many environmental irritants can cause pink eye symptoms. Chlorine in swimming pools is one of the most common causes. Other irritants include smoke from cigarettes or fires, air pollution, strong perfumes or fragrances, cleaning products, and industrial chemicals. Even wearing dirty contact lenses or using contaminated lens solution can irritate your eyes enough to cause inflammation.
Certain factors increase your chances of developing pink eye. Young children in daycare or school settings have higher risk because of close contact with other children. Contact lens wearers face significantly elevated risk, especially if they don't follow proper hygiene practices. Contact lens wear is the leading risk factor for microbial keratitis in the United States. If you've recently had a cold or upper respiratory infection, you're more likely to develop viral pink eye. People with seasonal allergies are prone to allergic conjunctivitis. Having a weakened immune system from illness or medication also increases your risk.
How Pink Eye Is Diagnosed
Our eye doctor can usually diagnose pink eye by examining your eyes and asking about your symptoms. Here's what to expect during your visit.
During your examination, our eye doctor will carefully look at both eyes, even if only one is bothering you. We'll examine the conjunctiva for redness, swelling, and discharge. We'll also look at your eyelids and check how much your eye is watering. The appearance of discharge, whether both eyes are affected, and other symptoms help us determine which type of pink eye you have.
We'll ask when your symptoms started, whether you've been around anyone with pink eye, and what the discharge from your eye looks like. We'll also want to know if you have allergies, wear contact lenses, or have had a recent cold. Your answers help us understand what's causing your pink eye and guide us toward the right treatment.
Most of the time, our eye doctor can diagnose pink eye without special tests. However, we may take a sample of discharge from your eye if your symptoms are severe, if you're not improving with treatment, if you have a weakened immune system, or if we suspect a serious infection. This sample goes to a lab where it can be tested to identify the exact cause. We might also check for other conditions if your symptoms suggest something beyond typical pink eye.
Treatment Options
The treatment for pink eye depends on what type you have. Our eye doctor will recommend the approach that will help you feel better and recover as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, antibiotics don't work on viruses, so viral pink eye needs to run its course. Most cases clear up on their own within one to three weeks without medication. Our focus is on keeping you comfortable while you heal. We may recommend applying cool compresses to your closed eyes several times a day, using preservative-free artificial tears to relieve irritation, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. In rare cases involving herpes viruses or varicella-zoster virus, we may prescribe antiviral medication. Remember, topical steroids are prescription-only and not for routine pink eye treatment, as they can prolong viral shedding and worsen certain infections.
Many cases of mild bacterial pink eye get better without antibiotics and without causing complications. Antibiotics can modestly shorten the length of infection and reduce the risk of spreading it to others. Our eye doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment when discharge is significant, symptoms are persistent, or you're at higher risk for complications, such as if you wear contact lenses. If antibiotics are prescribed, you'll need to apply the medication several times a day exactly as directed. Most people start feeling better within two to three days. We'll show you the proper way to apply eye drops or ointment to make treatment as effective as possible.
For allergic pink eye, the best approach is avoiding whatever triggers your allergies when possible. Our eye doctor may recommend antihistamine eye drops to reduce itching and redness, or mast cell stabilizer drops that prevent allergic reactions. Artificial tears help wash allergens from your eyes and provide relief. Cool compresses also soothe irritated eyes. If your allergies are severe, we might suggest oral antihistamines as well. Long-term management of your allergies often prevents repeated episodes.
If an irritant gets in your eye, the first step is immediate and thorough flushing with clean, lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. For strong alkalis like drain cleaner or lye, flush even longer. Tilt your head so water runs across your eye and away from your face, and hold your lids open. Do not delay flushing to call for help. After rinsing, we may recommend artificial tears to continue flushing out any remaining irritant. For mild chemical irritation, your eye should improve quickly once the irritant is removed. However, if a strong chemical splashed in your eye, flush it immediately and then go to the emergency room right away.
Regardless of which type of pink eye you have, these measures can make you more comfortable. Cool compresses are generally most soothing for all types. Use a warm compress only if you need to gently soften and remove crusting. Apply a clean, damp washcloth to your closed eyes. Gently clean discharge from your eyes using a clean, damp cloth, wiping from the inside corner outward. Use a fresh cloth or cotton ball for each eye to avoid cross-contamination. Avoid wearing contact lenses until your eye doctor says it's safe. Avoid wearing eye makeup until the infection clears, and replace eye makeup and contact lenses that may be contaminated.
When to See an Eye Doctor
While mild pink eye often improves on its own, certain symptoms mean you should see our eye doctor promptly. Early evaluation can prevent complications and help you feel better faster.
Contact our office right away if you experience any of these warning signs:
- Moderate to severe eye pain
- Blurred vision or vision changes that don't clear when you blink
- Sensitivity to light that makes it hard to keep your eyes open
- Very intense redness in your eye
- Symptoms that are getting worse instead of better
- A feeling that something is stuck in your eye that won't go away
- Irregular pupil or visible corneal opacity
Certain people and situations need evaluation by our eye doctor even if symptoms seem mild. If you wear contact lenses and develop any pink eye symptoms, stop wearing your lenses immediately and call us. Contact lens wear is the number one risk factor for serious corneal infections in the United States. Never wear contact lenses while you have pink eye symptoms. Remove your lenses at the first sign of redness or pain, discard the lenses and case you were using when symptoms began, and do not resume lens wear until we examine you and clear you to do so. Newborns with any eye discharge or redness need immediate medical attention. If you have a weakened immune system from illness or medication, pink eye can lead to complications that require prompt treatment.
If you have pink eye symptoms that last longer than one to two weeks, come see us even if the symptoms aren't severe. Similarly, if you start treatment and don't see improvement within a few days, or if your symptoms come back after treatment, we need to re-evaluate you. Our eye doctor can determine if you need a different treatment approach or if something else is affecting your eyes.
Potential Complications
Most cases of pink eye clear up without any lasting problems. However, understanding potential complications helps you know when to seek care and take proper precautions.
In some cases, the infection or inflammation can spread to your cornea, the clear dome at the front of your eye. This is called keratitis and can affect your vision. Keratitis causes more pain than simple pink eye, along with significant light sensitivity and blurred vision. If not treated properly, it can lead to permanent vision problems. This is one reason why it's important to see our eye doctor for any pink eye symptoms that seem severe or aren't improving.
People who wear contact lenses and develop pink eye have a much higher risk of developing serious corneal infections, including infections from Pseudomonas bacteria. Bacteria can get trapped between the contact lens and your cornea, causing damage more quickly. If you wear contacts and notice any pink eye symptoms, especially pain or light sensitivity, remove your lenses immediately and contact our office urgently. This is not simple pink eye and needs same-day evaluation. Never wear contact lenses while you have pink eye, and replace them after the infection clears to avoid reinfection.
Pink eye in babies less than one month old requires urgent medical attention because it can be a sign of a serious infection, possibly from bacteria passed during birth such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. These infections can cause significant complications if not treated promptly. In the United States, all newborns receive erythromycin ointment in their eyes shortly after birth to help prevent gonococcal eye infection, though this prophylaxis does not prevent chlamydial infection. Any eye redness or discharge in the first month of life is a medical emergency.
While uncommon, untreated or severe pink eye can sometimes lead to vision problems. This usually only happens if the infection spreads to the cornea or if someone doesn't seek treatment for a serious bacterial infection. Following our treatment recommendations and coming in for follow-up when needed helps ensure your pink eye heals without affecting your vision.
Prevention Strategies
Taking simple precautions can significantly reduce your chances of getting pink eye or spreading it to others. These strategies are especially important if someone in your household has pink eye.
Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly is the single most important step in preventing pink eye. Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching your eyes, blowing your nose, or being in public places. If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands before and after applying eye drops or touching your face.
Your hands pick up germs throughout the day, and touching your eyes transfers those germs directly to a vulnerable area. Train yourself to avoid rubbing your eyes, even when they itch. If you must touch your eyes, wash your hands first. This simple habit can prevent many cases of infectious pink eye.
Never share items that touch your eyes or face. This includes towels, washcloths, pillowcases, eye drops, contact lens equipment, eye makeup, and makeup brushes. Each family member should have their own towels and washcloths. Replace eye makeup every three months and immediately after any eye infection. Sharing these items is an easy way to spread pink eye from person to person.
If you wear contact lenses, proper care is crucial for preventing pink eye and more serious corneal infections. Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses. Clean and store your lenses exactly as directed using fresh solution each time. Never use water or saliva on your lenses. Replace your contact lens case every three months. Don't sleep in your lenses unless our eye doctor has prescribed extended-wear lenses specifically designed for that purpose. If your eyes feel irritated, remove your lenses and give your eyes a break.
When someone in your home has infectious pink eye, clean and disinfect surfaces they touch frequently. This includes doorknobs, light switches, countertops, phones, keyboards, and remote controls. Wash bedding, pillowcases, and towels in hot water. These steps help prevent spreading the infection to other family members.
If you have viral or bacterial pink eye, you may be contagious. Many people with mild conjunctivitis do not need to be excluded from work or school if they can practice good hand hygiene and avoid close contact. Policies vary by workplace and school, but a common approach is to return when symptoms are improving and you can keep your hands clean and avoid touching your eyes. For bacterial pink eye treated with antibiotics, many schools and workplaces allow return after the first 24 hours of treatment if symptoms are better. For viral pink eye, you may be contagious for up to two weeks. Ask our eye doctor what's appropriate for your specific situation.
Special Considerations
Certain groups of people need special attention when it comes to pink eye. Understanding these unique considerations helps ensure everyone gets appropriate care.
Any eye discharge or redness in a baby under one month old is a medical emergency. Newborns can get pink eye from bacteria passed from mother to baby during birth, including serious infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia. These infections can cause significant complications if not treated immediately. In the United States, hospitals prevent many cases by applying erythromycin antibiotic ointment to all newborns' eyes soon after birth. This prophylaxis prevents gonococcal eye infection but does not prevent chlamydial disease. Despite this preventive measure, infections can still occur and require immediate care. Older babies can get pink eye from viruses or bacteria just like older children, though any persistent eye symptoms in an infant warrant a call to their doctor.
Children are especially prone to pink eye because they have close contact with many other children at school or daycare, and they often forget to wash their hands regularly. Teaching children not to touch their eyes and to wash their hands frequently helps prevent spread. If your child has pink eye, follow the guidance from their school or daycare about when they can return. Most children with mild symptoms and good hygiene can return once symptoms are improving. Our eye doctor can provide guidance specific to your child's situation.
If you wear contact lenses and develop any symptoms of pink eye, remove your lenses immediately and switch to glasses. Continue wearing glasses until our eye doctor examines you and says it's safe to resume wearing contacts. You'll need to throw away the lenses you were wearing when symptoms started, along with the case. Never try to disinfect and reuse those lenses. Contact lens-related infections can progress to serious corneal ulcers and keratitis very quickly, particularly from bacteria like Pseudomonas. Contact lens wear is the leading risk factor for microbial keratitis, so don't wait to seek care if you have pain or light sensitivity. Once you've recovered, we'll tell you when you can safely start wearing contact lenses again.
If you're pregnant and develop pink eye, it's important to see our eye doctor so we can recommend treatments that are safe during pregnancy. Most pink eye treatments are safe for pregnant women, but we'll help you choose the best option. If you have a sexually transmitted infection that could affect your eyes, treating it before delivery protects your baby from infection during birth. Be sure to tell us you're pregnant when you call or come in.
Recovery and What to Expect
Understanding how long pink eye typically lasts and what to expect during recovery helps you know when things are improving normally and when to seek additional help.
How long it takes to recover depends on which type of pink eye you have. Viral pink eye usually gets better in one to two weeks, though some cases take up to three weeks to completely resolve. You should start feeling better within a few days, with gradual improvement. Bacterial pink eye, whether treated with antibiotics or not, typically shows improvement within a few days, with full recovery in one to two weeks. Antibiotics may shorten the duration modestly. Allergic pink eye improves as soon as you remove the allergen or start treatment, though symptoms may return if you're exposed to the trigger again. Chemical pink eye often gets better within a day or two after flushing and removing the irritant, unless the chemical was particularly strong.
As you recover, you'll notice your eye becomes less red and feels less irritated. Discharge decreases and eventually stops. Itching, if you had it, becomes less intense. Your eyelids won't be stuck together in the morning. Your vision returns to normal if it was affected. If you don't see these signs of improvement within the expected timeframe for your type of pink eye, contact our office.
When you can resume your regular activities depends on whether your pink eye is contagious and how you're feeling. Many people with mild symptoms can return to work or school once they're practicing good hygiene and symptoms are improving. Our eye doctor will let you know what's best for your situation. Wait to wear contact lenses until your eye doctor says it's okay, usually at least 24 hours after symptoms completely resolve. Avoid swimming until your infection has cleared completely.
Once you've recovered from pink eye, you can take steps to avoid getting it again. If you had bacterial or viral pink eye, practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding touching your eyes is key. Replace any eye makeup you used while you were infected. If you wear contacts, review proper lens care with our eye doctor. For allergic pink eye, identifying your specific triggers and avoiding them when possible prevents repeated episodes. Some people benefit from starting allergy medication before their usual allergy season begins. If you tend to get pink eye frequently, talk to our eye doctor about strategies specific to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients often have similar questions about pink eye. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns we hear.
No, you cannot get pink eye just by looking at someone who has it. Pink eye spreads through direct contact with discharge from an infected person's eyes, or by touching surfaces contaminated with that discharge and then touching your own eyes. It can also spread through respiratory droplets if someone with viral pink eye coughs or sneezes near you. Simply being in the same room as someone with pink eye or making eye contact doesn't transmit the infection.
Yes, you should discard any eye makeup you used just before or during your pink eye infection. This includes mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, and makeup brushes that touched your eyes. These products can harbor bacteria or viruses and may reinfect you even after you've recovered. It's frustrating to throw away makeup, but the small cost is worth avoiding another infection. Face makeup like foundation and blush that didn't touch your eyes is safe to keep.
We don't recommend using redness-relieving eye drops for pink eye. These drops constrict blood vessels to make your eyes look less red, but they don't treat the underlying infection or inflammation. They can actually hide important symptoms that help us diagnose your condition. Some redness-relieving drops can also cause rebound redness when you stop using them. Preservative-free artificial tears are a better choice for comfort. If your symptoms concern you, it's best to see our eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Not always. Many cases of bacterial conjunctivitis improve on their own without antibiotics. Antibiotics can shorten symptom duration modestly and are used when discharge is significant, symptoms are persistent, or you're at higher risk, for example if you wear contact lenses. Viral pink eye doesn't respond to antibiotics at all. Our eye doctor will guide you based on your examination and symptoms.
No, pink eye affects people of all ages. While it's more common in children because they have close contact at school and daycare and may not practice good hand hygiene, adults get pink eye regularly too. Adults can catch viral pink eye from family members, coworkers, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Allergic pink eye is equally common in adults and children. Contact lens-related pink eye actually occurs more often in adults. No one is immune to pink eye regardless of age.
Your pink eye is improving if the redness gradually decreases, discharge lessens, and discomfort reduces over several days. You should wake up with less crusting on your eyelashes. Your vision should return to normal if it was blurry. Warning signs that your pink eye is getting worse include increasing pain, worsening vision, more severe light sensitivity, or symptoms that spread to your other eye after several days of treatment. If you have any doubts about whether you're improving appropriately, contact our office. We'd rather evaluate you and confirm everything is healing normally than have you wait with a worsening infection.
No, you should avoid swimming while you have pink eye. If you have infectious pink eye, you can spread it to others in the pool. Swimming can also make your symptoms worse and potentially introduce new bacteria to your already irritated eye. Chlorine and other pool chemicals irritate infected eyes. Additionally, many public pools and water parks have rules prohibiting people with pink eye from swimming. Wait until your infection has completely cleared and our eye doctor says it's safe before getting back in the water.
Viral and allergic pink eye often clear up without specific medical treatment, though they may take longer and be more uncomfortable than if treated. Mild bacterial pink eye frequently resolves on its own without antibiotics. However, we recommend seeing our eye doctor rather than waiting it out at home because you can't always tell which type of pink eye you have just by looking at it. More importantly, some cases that seem like simple pink eye are actually more serious infections that need treatment to prevent complications. It's always safer to get a professional evaluation.
Pink eye rarely causes permanent vision damage when treated properly. The vast majority of cases heal completely without any lasting effects. However, if the infection spreads to your cornea, or if a serious bacterial infection goes untreated, it can potentially lead to scarring or other damage that affects vision. This is uncommon and usually preventable by seeking appropriate care. If you experience vision changes, significant pain, or severe symptoms, seeing our eye doctor promptly protects your vision.
Many people with mild conjunctivitis do not need to be excluded from work or school if they can practice good hand hygiene and avoid close contact. Policies vary by workplace and school, but a common approach is to return when symptoms are improving and you can keep your hands clean and avoid touching your eyes. For bacterial conjunctivitis treated with antibiotics, many schools and workplaces allow return after the first 24 hours of treatment. Ask our eye doctor what's appropriate for your situation.
Pink eye and styes are different conditions that can sometimes be confused. Pink eye causes redness across the white part of your eye and affects the thin membrane covering your eye. A stye is a red, painful bump on the edge of your eyelid caused by an infected oil gland or eyelash follicle. A stye looks like a pimple on your eyelid and usually affects only one specific spot, while pink eye makes your entire eye appear red. Styes can be tender to touch and may develop a pus-filled head. If you're not sure what's affecting your eye, our eye doctor can examine you and make the correct diagnosis.
While you don't necessarily need to wash your bedding daily, you should change your pillowcases frequently during your infection, ideally every day or two. Discharge from your eyes can contaminate your pillowcase overnight, and then reinfect your eyes the next night. Use a fresh washcloth for cleaning your eyes each time and don't reuse towels. When you do wash your bedding and towels, use hot water to kill any bacteria or viruses. Keep your bedding separate from other family members' items if possible. These extra laundry steps are temporary but help prevent reinfection and protect others in your home.
You can significantly reduce your risk of catching pink eye from a family member by following careful precautions. Make sure the infected person washes their hands frequently, especially after touching their eyes. Each person should use their own towels, washcloths, and pillowcases. Disinfect surfaces the infected person touches regularly, like doorknobs, light switches, and faucets. Avoid touching your eyes. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Don't share items like glasses, eye drops, or makeup. These steps don't guarantee you won't get pink eye, but they greatly reduce the chance of transmission within your household.
We're Here to Help
If you're experiencing symptoms of pink eye or have concerns about your eye health, our eye doctor is here to provide the care you need. We can accurately diagnose which type of pink eye you have, recommend appropriate treatment, and help you recover comfortably and quickly. Don't hesitate to contact our practice if you have questions or need to schedule an appointment.