Pink eye is characterized by a dark pink to red discoloration caused by inflammation and irritation in the white part of the eye. It may also be accompanied by pus or a watery discharge.
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, occurs when the clear, moist tissue covering the eyeball and inner eyelids becomes infected or inflamed.
Beyond being irritating and sometimes painful, it can also be contagious.
This article will help you recognize pink eye, explore available treatment options, and understand the steps you can take to prevent spreading the infection to others.
How to Tell If You Have Pink Eye
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, gets its name from the way irritation and inflammation turn the white part of the eye pink. However, beneath the inflamed tissue, the eyeball itself remains unaffected.
Common Symptoms of Pink Eye
Visible signs include:
- Redness in the white part of the eye
- Watery discharge
- Sticky mucus or pus
- Crusting around the eye
- Swelling or puffiness of the eyelid
Symptoms you can feel:
- Pain
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
Types of Pink Eye & Their Symptoms
- Viral Pink Eye: Caused by a viral infection, this highly contagious type leads to redness, burning, and watery discharge. It can also be accompanied by cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose or sore throat.
- Bacterial Pink Eye: Resulting from a bacterial infection, this type is also highly contagious. It often causes soreness, along with thick, sticky pus. Some cases are linked to the same bacteria that cause strep throat, leading to additional symptoms.
- Allergic Pink Eye: Triggered by allergens rather than infection, this type is not contagious. It causes redness, puffiness, excessive tearing, and intense itching.
If you suspect pink eye, identifying the cause can help determine the best treatment and whether precautions are needed to prevent spreading it to others.
You can learn more about pink eye in general through reliable medical sources. Below are some examples of how pink eye may appear. If you’re unsure about your symptoms, consider consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosing Pink Eye
Pink eye is usually diagnosed based on its appearance and symptoms.
Your doctor will likely determine a treatment plan depending on the look of your eye and the symptoms you’re experiencing. Viral conjunctivitis often comes with swollen lymph nodes near the ears.
It can be hard to tell whether the cause is viral or bacterial, but viral infections don’t have a specific treatment beyond comfort measures and waiting for the infection to resolve.
In some instances, your doctor may take a swab or sample from your eye’s discharge to test for a specific virus or bacteria.
What gets rid of pink eye
Most cases of pink eye will resolve on their own, though they may take some time to heal. Regardless of the cause, pink eye can take up to 3 weeks to fully clear, with or without treatment in most instances.
In some cases, treatment can help speed up recovery or prevent the infection from spreading to others. The approach to treating pink eye depends on the underlying cause.
Viral pink eye
Viral pink eye doesn’t have a specific treatment other than waiting for it to run its course.
It may take 7 to 14 days to improve, but in severe cases, it could take up to 3 weeks to fully resolve. If a specific virus is identified as the cause, antiviral medications may be prescribed.
However, this doesn’t apply to all viruses. For certain viruses, such as herpes simplex or varicella-zoster, there are antiviral treatments available.
Bacterial pink eye
Bacterial pink eye may improve on its own in 2 to 5 days, but in more severe cases, it could take up to 3 weeks to fully clear.
If you see a doctor, they may prescribe antibiotic ointment or eye drops to help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Allergic pink eye
Allergic pink eye can fluctuate, depending on what triggers your allergic reaction.
Soothing or lubricating eye drops can provide relief during flare-ups, but it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that helps manage your underlying allergies.
Frequently asked questions
How long does pink eye last?
Different types of pink eye typically clear up within a week, but more stubborn or severe infections can take up to 3 weeks to fully resolve.
Do eye drops work for pink eye?
If your pink eye is caused by a bacterial infection, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibacterial eye drops or ointment. However, antibiotics won’t be effective if your pink eye is caused by allergies or a viral infection.
What causes pink eye?
Pink eye can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, or triggered by an allergic reaction, such as seasonal allergies or exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke.
Takeaway:
Pink eye is typically recognized by the dark pink or red color caused by inflammation of the tissue covering the eyeball. Depending on the cause, it may also result in symptoms like pus or watery discharge.
If the irritation becomes severe, affects your vision, or doesn’t improve after a few weeks, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
