What is Pink Eye?
Commonly referred to as Pink Eye, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the eye. It is commonly known as “pink eye” because the eye looks very pink or red.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, making it very contagious. If the condition is caused by an infection, it can spread from eye to eye or person to person easily by touching fluid from the eyes. Thilan Fernando MD, PIH Health Family Medicine physician, cautions that fluid from the eye is contagious for 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment.
Signs of Pink Eye
- Pink or red color in the white of the eye
- Itching, irritation, and burning
- Watery eyes
- Crusting of eyelids or lashes, sometimes causing eyes to stick closed in the morning
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Eye discharge
Preventing Pink Eye
Viral and bacterial pink eye is very contagious. If you have pink eye, or if you are around someone who has it, follow these prevention tips:
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid touching your eyes
- Do NOT share personal items
- Pillows, pillowcases, washcloths, towels
- Eye drops, eye or face makeup, makeup brushes
- Eyewear like contact lenses, contact lens storage cases, or eyeglasses
Treating Pink Eye
- Soak a clean washcloth in warm water and place over a closed eye. Continue this process to relieve discomfort.
- Avoid wearing makeup that could get into your eye.
- If you use contact lenses, it is advisable to not wear them until your eyes have healed. Contact lenses may carry bacteria and increase pain.
Pink eye tends to go away on its own, but if it does not, visit a PIH Health Urgent Care Center, or book an appointment with Dr. Fernando at PIHHealth.org/Appointments.
