Effective Treatments For Pink Eye

What is Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis?

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear mucous membrane covering the eyelid and the eye’s surface), which leads to redness that appears pink.

What Causes Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis?

Pink eye can be caused by a variety of factors, such as bacteria, viruses, allergies, and even blocked tear ducts or secondary infections. Pink eye can also be triggered by chlorine in swimming pools and certain cosmetics or eye-contacting products.

Our eye doctors in Columbus, OH and at our other locations treat conjunctivitis triggered by an array of issues, including cases linked to rare inflammatory conditions like anterior uveitis or iritis.

Learn more about the 3 main types of pink eye below:

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What Causes Viral Conjunctivitis?

Viral conjunctivitis is typically caused by an adenovirus. This is the same virus responsible for common cold or upper respiratory infections, leading to symptoms such as red and watery eyes, sore throat, cough, and runny nose. The condition is highly contagious and often spreads due to poor hygiene, especially a lack of handwashing.

Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis usually persist for around 5 days to a week but can sometimes last longer. There’s no specific medical treatment for viral infections, so people with pink eye need to wait for the infection to run its course and isolate for 3 to 5 days until symptoms subside before going back to school or work.

Common viral conjunctivitis symptoms include a light discharge and very watery, red eyes. To alleviate discomfort, applying cool compresses to the eyes and using artificial tears can provide relief.

What Causes Bacterial Pink Eye?

Bacterial pink eye is usually caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. It’s often characterized by a significant amount of yellow, sticky discharge. Similar to viral conjunctivitis, bacterial pink eye is contagious and can be contracted from bacteria found in various places, often transmitted to the eyes through unclean hands. People who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk of bacterial pink eye due to handling lenses and unclean contact lens cases.

Treatment typically involves using antibiotic eye drops, which should show improvement within 3 or 4 days. However, the infection may also resolve on its own after a week to 10 days without treatment. If antibiotic drops are used, individuals can usually return to work or school 24 hours after starting treatment.

What Causes Allergic Conjunctivitis?

Unlike viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not infectious or contagious. It occurs as an allergic reaction to environmental triggers such as pollen, pet dander, or smoke. Symptoms generally affect both eyes and may include redness, itching, and excessive tearing.

Treating allergic conjunctivitis involves removing or avoiding the irritant, if possible. Mild cases can be managed with cool compresses and artificial tears to relieve discomfort. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and antihistamines might be prescribed. Persistent allergic conjunctivitis may require the use of topical steroid eye drops.

Common Pink Eye Symptoms

Pink eye presents with several noticeable symptoms, including:

Redness in the white part of the eye
Itching or burning sensations
Discharge
Tearing
Swollen eyelids
Crusty eyes in the morning

When should I seek medical attention for pink eye?

If you suspect you have pink eye or a similar condition, you should schedule a pink eye evaluation with an eye doctor at Vision Professionals. Unlike primary care providers and urgent care centers, eye doctors have the necessary instruments and experience to accurately determine the cause of your pink eye and recommend the appropriate course of action.

We differentiate between bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis to provide targeted and effective treatment options.

If you experience eye pain or light sensitivity, this is a higher level of urgency, and you should seek care within 24 hours to identify the cause because this may indicate a more complex issue than a simple case of pink eye.

Do I need antibiotics for pink eye?

In some cases, pink eye does require antibiotic treatment.

Are pink eye treatments different for adults and kids?

There may be some differences in how we approach pink eye treatment for kids and adults. For adults, we may prescribe a very mild and safe steroid eye drop to help alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation, leading to faster recovery from pink eye.

Fast Relief: How To Get Rid Of Pink Eye

Effective treatment for pink eye depends on its type. Over-the-counter medications might not always be suitable and could even prolong the condition if not chosen carefully. The appropriate eye drop or treatment for each type of pink eye will be determined during a pink eye exam by a qualified eye doctor. Some cases of pink eye can resolve within a day, while others may take a week or longer to heal. Seeking professional diagnosis and treatment from an eye doctor is the fastest and safest way to get rid of pink eye.

Will pink eye resolve on its own?

Interestingly, some cases of pink eye can actually clear up on their own. However, getting the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment from an eye doctor can significantly reduce the chances of pink eye lingering for longer.

How did I develop pink eye overnight?

Pink eye can seemingly appear overnight due to the closed eyelid providing a warm, moist environment ideal for certain types of pink eye, especially bacterial conjunctivitis. If you experience pink eye with associated light sensitivity or pain, seek care from an eye doctor within 24 hours.

How long is pink eye contagious?

The contagious period for pink eye can last around 7 to 8 days. If someone else in your family also has pink eye, or if it spreads from one eye to the other, it is most likely viral pink eye, which is highly contagious. Viral pink eye is typically transmitted by touching a surface contaminated with the virus (which is invisible to the naked eye) and then rubbing your eyes with contaminated fingers.

Should I stay at home if I have pink eye?

This depends on the severity and contagiousness of your pink eye, which an eye doctor will determine. For mild cases, practicing frequent hand washing and sanitizing surfaces you touch with alcohol or bleach wipes for a day or two may be sufficient.