Adult Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Teen Health, Uncategorized, Vision Services

Understanding Pink Eye: What You Need to Know to Stay Healthy

Posted on by Ashley Guidry
19
Oct

Pink eye, medically known as conjunctivitis, sends about 3 million kids home from school each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But it’s not just a childhood condition. Adults get it too, and it’s one of the most common reasons people of all ages end up at the doctor’s office with a red, irritated eye.

Beyond the redness, symptoms can include itching, burning, a gritty sensation, and discharge that crusts overnight or blurs your vision during the day.

We talked to Dr. Brittany Hodgson, a pediatrician at Legacy Community Health, to find out what people often get wrong about pink eye, when to worry, and how to keep pink eye from spreading through your household.

The Three Main Types of Pink Eye

Not all pink eye is created equal. Understanding which type you have makes a big difference in how you treat it and whether you need to worry about spreading it to others.

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form and usually accompanies other cold or flu symptoms. It typically starts in one eye and then spreads to the other, with watery discharge rather than thick pus. Unfortunately, pink eye has to run its course on its own. Antibiotics won’t help because they don’t work against viruses.

There’s also a more severe form of viral pink eye called epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, or EKC, caused by an adenovirus. This version tends to get worse for three to four days before improving, and the virus can survive on surfaces for up to 30 days. That’s a full month during which doorknobs, towels, and other household items could potentially spread the infection.

Bacterial conjunctivitis might surprise you because it’s actually relatively rare compared to viral pink eye. It’s characterized by thick, yellow or green discharge and is more common in children. While bacterial pink eye often clears up on its own, your doctor might prescribe antibiotic drops to speed up recovery and reduce how long you’re contagious.

Allergic conjunctivitis is the odd one out because it’s not contagious at all. Triggered by allergens like pollen, pet dander, or even pool chlorine, this type responds well to antihistamine eye drops and usually improves once you avoid whatever’s causing the allergic reaction.

The Biggest Mistake People Make

When pink eye shows up, the instinct is often to reach for medicine right away. But Dr. Hodgson says that impulse, while understandable, can lead to unnecessary treatment.

“Most of the time pink eye will improve on its own, and often medicine is not needed,” she says. “Pink eye due to viral and bacterial infections can be very contagious, and we often see it pass through households, but the priority should be good hygiene, not automatically seeking a prescription.”

That hygiene piece matters more than most people realize. Dr. Hodgson recommends washing hands well before and after touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, and sanitizing any objects that come in contact with the face, including toys.

Using bleach-based cleaners on frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and light switches can also help kill viruses and lessen the spread of pink eye in the home.

Red Flags That Mean It’s Time to See a Doctor

So how do you know when to wait it out versus when to make the call?

“The red flags that mean someone needs more urgent or emergent attention include vision problems and pain when moving the eyes,” Dr. Hodgson explains. “If the eye infection is getting worse quickly or there is a lot of pus-like discharge, it’s better to go ahead and be seen instead of waiting it out at home.”

And if a newborn has pink eye symptoms? Don’t wait at all. “If a newborn has pink eye, they need to be seen right away,” Dr. Hodgson says.

It’s also worth noting that not every red eye is pink eye. The herpes simplex virus, the same one that causes cold sores, can affect the eye and requires antiviral treatment to protect your vision.

Shingles can also affect the eye, particularly in older adults. With the recent uptick in measles cases due to declining vaccination rates, doctors are seeing conjunctivitis as a complication of measles infections.

Contact lens wearers are also at higher risk for corneal ulcers, which can look just like pink eye but need immediate care. When in doubt, get it checked.

Treatment and Home Care

For viral pink eye, focus on staying comfortable while your immune system does its work. Use preservative-free artificial tears, apply cool compresses during the day, and use warm compresses in the morning to soften crusty discharge. Never use redness-relieving drops like Visine for pink eye, as the American Academy of Ophthalmology warns these can make symptoms worse.

Stop wearing contact lenses immediately if you develop any eye infection symptoms. Throw away any eye makeup you used before getting pink eye, and don’t share makeup, towels, or pillowcases with others in your household.

Stopping the Spread at Home, School, and Work

Pink eye moves fast wherever people are in close contact. Dr. Hodgson says the prevention strategies are straightforward, and the same rules apply whether you’re five or forty-five.

“Everyone needs to wash their hands well and avoid touching their eyes,” she says. “Even young children can be taught how to wash their hands well and be reminded to not touch their face and eyes.”

Towels, linens, and pillowcases should not be shared until symptoms have cleared, and it’s a good idea to change your pillowcase daily.

As for returning to school or work, the answer may be sooner than you’d expect. “Most of the time, children who have pink eye do not have to stay out of school, as long as they don’t have fevers,” Dr. Hodgson says, and the same general logic applies for adults. It’s always a good idea to check with your school or employer, as policies can vary, but pink eye alone isn’t automatically a reason to stay home.

We’re Here to Help

Pink eye is common, but knowing the difference between types and when to act can make a real difference in how quickly you recover. If you’re ever unsure about your symptoms or those of someone in your family, the team at Legacy Community Health is here to help. Schedule an appointment and let us take a look.

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