Conjunctivitis, which is also known as pink eye, is common; about 1% of all primary care office visits in the United States are related to conjunctivitis, affecting about 6 million people annually.
How common is pink eye? Pink eye is one of the most common eye infections in children and adults. There are about 6 million cases of pink eye in the U.S. each year.
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) are very contagious. They can spread easily from person to person. You can greatly reduce the risk of getting conjunctivitis or spreading it to someone else by following some simple steps for good hygiene.
In both children and adults, pink eye can cause inflammation in the cornea that can affect vision. Prompt evaluation and treatment by your health care provider can reduce the risk of complications. See your provider if you have: Eye pain.
Preschoolers and school-age children get it most often because of crowding and lack of good handwashing and hygiene. Viral conjunctivitis will go away by itself in one to six weeks.
Early signs of pink eye include redness, irritation, itching, and watery eyes. People may have a gritty feeling in the eye and discharge. In many cases, conjunctivitis will resolve by itself within a few weeks. Home remedies, such as artificial tears and warm or cool eye compresses, may help ease symptoms.
The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment and without any long-term consequences. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up. A doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to treat more serious forms of conjunctivitis.
Pinkeye can cause mild sensitivity to light. A person who has severe symptoms, such as changes in eyesight, severe light sensitivity, or severe pain may have an infection that has spread beyond the conjunctiva. It's also possible that the person has a more serious infection or inflammation inside the eye.
Pink eye is most often caused by a virus. It usually occurs at the same time as or right after you have had a cold. Less commonly, pink eye can be caused by infection with bacteria. Dry air, allergies, smoke, and chemicals can also cause pink eye.
Anyone can get pink eye, but you may be more likely to get it if you: Have had close contact with someone who has pink eye. Wear contact lenses. Are allergic to things like pollen, animal dander, or mold.
Having pink eye once does not build up immunity to future infections or allergic responses. All forms of this condition, including allergic conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, and viral conjunctivitis, can recur.
Only 1% of people have pink and pale red eyes; they are typically albinos. Albinism happens when there is a problem with one of the genes inherited from the mother. Like red eyes, heterochromia is rare and effects less than 1% of the population.
Pink eye usually does not have long-term complications. Rarely, the cornea becomes chronically inflamed, leading to permanent vision problems. You should see an ophthalmologist if your pink eye does not resolve or if it gets worse after a week of treatment.
Conjunctivitis: You may recognize conjunctivitis by its more popular name – pinkeye. This condition occurs when the conjunctiva, the clear lining on the eyeball's surface, becomes red, inflamed, and infected. Your eyes may feel sore and gritty, and blinking may be painful.
For bacterial conjunctivitis, the symptoms usually begin 24 to 72 hours after exposure to the infection. For viral conjunctivitis, the onset of symptoms can range from 12 hours to 12 days after infection. The symptoms can persist for several days, or rarely, for 2 to 3 weeks.
Pink eye can last from a few days to a few weeks. The amount of time it takes to go away is mostly dependent on the cause. While pink eye usually goes away on its own, in some cases you may need to see your healthcare provider.
Pinkeye that's caused by bacteria can spread to others as soon as symptoms appear and for as long as there's discharge from the eye — or until 24 hours after antibiotics are started. Conjunctivitis that's caused by a virus is generally contagious before symptoms appear and can remain so as long as the symptoms last.
Putting your pink eyes to bed can help ease discomfort and speed healing. “Adequate sleep gives the eyes a break,” says Rubin Naiman, PhD. “During sleep, complex changes occur that replenish the eye's moisture and protection.” Aim to sleep at least 8 hours each night.
Stages of bacterial pink eye
A typical bacterial case may start like viral pink eye, with slight irritation and redness. Then drainage in the form of pus will become noticeable. This is usually white, yellow or yellow-green in color. As it dries, it will leave a crusty film on the eyelids.
If you have conjunctivitis but do not have fever or other symptoms, you may be allowed to remain at work or school with your doctor's approval. However, if you still have symptoms, and your activities at work or school include close contact with other people, you should not attend.
The most common eye symptoms of viral conjunctivitis are pink, tired, watery, itchy, or sticky eyes along with head, eye, or body aches, and light sensitivity.
Viruses that cause pinkeye usually cause other symptoms as well, including sore throat and runny nose and are not usually treatable with medication. Viral pinkeye symptoms usually last between five and seven days, but can last up to three weeks.
Viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) symptoms often get worse on the second or third day before they start to get better. Viral conjunctivitis is also more likely to spread to both eyes than bacterial conjunctivitis, though the bacterial form can also sometimes spread.