Pharyngoconjunctivial fever – a syndrome that can produce conjunctivitis as well as a fever and sore throat, and is most commonly caused by infection with adenovirus serotypes 3, 4, and 7.
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
Viruses can cause conjunctivitis, such as the familiar red eyes, sore throat, and runny nose of a common cold. Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a watery mucous discharge and lasts from 1 to 2 weeks. Infectious conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," can be quite contagious.
Most cases of pink eye are caused by adenovirus but also can be caused by other viruses, including herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can occur along with colds or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a sore throat.
Strep is a common type of bacteria that can lead to different types of infections. One of the most common infections is strep throat, but the bacteria can also lead to an eye infection.
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.
There is no treatment for the virus and usually you just have to let it heal on its own. Viral pink eye should go away within a week or two without treatment. Bacterial pinkeye usually produces more mucus or pus than viral or allergic pink eye. Bacterial pink eye can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
Viral conjunctivitis often begins with fairly sudden onset of pain or the feeling of dust in the eye. Infection may begin in only one eye but often spreads to involve both.
Early signs of pink eye may include red, irritated, and watery eyes. The eyes may also feel itchy or gritty. Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, or pink eye, may begin in one eye but later spread to both eyes. People may have a discharge from the eye, which can cause the eyelashes to stick together after waking up.
“Germ-caused conjunctivitis intensifies when your eyes are closed. That's why it tends to get worse at night when you're asleep,” says Petersen. “To combat that, put any prescribed antibiotic ointment in your eyes before you go to bed. That way it will prevent crusting.”
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.
What does pink eye look like? In an eye with pink eye, the white part looks light pink to reddish and your eyelids are puffy or droopy. You might see fluid (discharge) coming from the infected eye or crusting on your eyelashes and eyelids.
Does pink eye get worse before it gets better? 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.
Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better within a week. Most are caused by minor illnesses such as cold or flu and can be treated at home.
If you have pink eye from allergens, it can go away quickly, assuming you treat it with antihistamines and other proper care. But the bacterial and viral forms of pink eye won't go away overnight. “Bacterial pink eye gets worse over time if you don't take an antibiotic,” says Rice.
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 is commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. Depending on the cause of your child's pink eye, signs and symptoms usually improve within a few days to two 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.
Pink eye recovery times
In most cases, pink eye will go away on its own. Whether it's caused by a viral or bacterial infection, your body can usually successfully fight it if given enough time.
A doctor can often determine whether a virus, bacterium, or allergen is causing the conjunctivitis (pink eye) based on patient history, symptoms, and an examination of the eye. Conjunctivitis always involves eye redness or swelling, but it also has other symptoms that can vary depending on the cause.
Cold Compresses
If you're wondering how to treat pink eye at home, "think about having a swollen ankle—you put ice on it," said Dr. Kresch. "If you put an ice pack or a cool compress on the eyelids, that actually feels really good."
There is no scientific evidence to support the use of the following to treat pink eye: breast milk.
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, causes swelling and redness in the inside of your eyelid and the white part of your eye. Your eye may also feel itchy and painful.