‘Pink eye‘ is a term that refers to a medical condition ‘Conjunctivitis’ which means inflammation or infection of the thin transparent membrane called the conjunctiva. The major role of conjunctivitis is to cover the white part of the eyeball and line the inner surface of the eyelids. 

So, when the conjunctiva gets infected then tiny blood vessels become more visible and white area turns pink or red. This is the exact theory behind ‘pink eye’. You should remember that all pink eyes are not contagious but you must know its cause to avoid any unwanted condition. 

This is a very common condition among people of all ages. Patients can feel anxious about its contagiousness and ways to protect others. 

Types of conjunctivitis: 

Your pink eye condition is contagious or not, it depends on the type of conjunctivitis. Treatment options may vary depending on its type. If you ignore this condition, you may fail to take important precautions. 

Infectious conjunctivitis: These are contagious and caused by viruses or bacteria. These conjunctivitis are caused by herpes viruses, bacteria or viruses. 

Non-infectious conjunctivitis: This non-contagious conjunctivitis is caused by allergens, smoke, chlorine, chemical splash etc. 

Mechanisms of Spread:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that: 

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is very contagious via hand-to-eye contact with contaminated hands, respiratory droplets or direct contact with someone’s eye secretions. It can even spread through fecal-oral routes. 

Healthcare providers say that you may be contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms first appear. 

Common transmission scenarios:

• If you rub your eyes after touching the same object touched by someone with pink eyes. 
• Shared items like contact lens cases, pillow, towels, makeup etc.
• Close contact with an infected person.
• Poor hygiene or public places like schools, hospitals etc. 

Which factors can increase spread?

• Unhygiene
• Sharing towels, clothes
• Touching eye discharge, tears of infected person.
• Incorrect contact lenses

Always remember that these viruses can stay on surfaces for hours to days. So, wash your hands properly before touching your eyes. 

How long is Pink Eye contagious?

Now, this is a very practical question. Obviously, you must be waiting to rejoin your school, friends. 

Afterall, who wants to stay isolated? 

But you must talk to your healthcare provider before going in public to ensure safety of your loved ones. 

Mostly, viral conjunctivitis takes around 1-2 or sometimes, even 3 weeks to get back to the normal condition. This period lasts until the eye discharge has resolved. In bacterial conjunctivitis cases, effective antibiotics can start showing results within 24 hours. Pink eye is contagious as long as you have tearing or matted eyes. 

Some schools require children to stay home to practice hygiene so that other children can be protected. 

Symptoms: 

• Pink or red color in the white area of the eye
• Sensitivity to light or photophobia
• Itchiness, burning sensation or irritation.
• Watery eyes or tearing. 
• Pus-like discharge particularly in the morning. 
• Respiratory symptoms like sore throat, cold etc. 

Serious symptoms:

Contact your doctor immediately if you feel:

• Eye pain or blurred vision. 
• Intense redness around cornea. 

If your newborn is having pink eyes, always seek evaluation. 

Usually, you don’t need any lab test but if you feel some severe reactions like cornea infection, suspicion of sexually transmitted infection or severe discharge, contact your doctor immediately. 

Remember, some bacterial conjunctivitis occurs more in cooler months. 

Treatment: 

Conjunctivitis treatment varies depending on the cause like: 

Viral conjunctivitis: 

• In case of viral conjunctivitis, no specific antiviral treatment is required as most cases are self-limiting. 
• Avoid contact lenses and get supportive care in the form of cold compresses, artificial tears etc. 
• In case, if you got infected because of herpes or similar virus, then antiviral therapy may be required. 
• Ensure preventive steps to protect your loved ones. 

Bacterial conjunctivitis: 

• This type of condition is generally treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. This treatment can shorten the duration of this infection period. 
• Try to avoid contact lenses until recovery. 

Allergic conjunctivitis: 

• Use antihistamine eye drops, artificial tears and cold compresses to avoid allergic reactions. 
• In this condition, you should focus on preventing triggers. 

Irritant conjunctivitis: 

• Remove the offending thing using saline. 
• In case of chemical injuries, urgent ophthalmology referral is recommended. 

Home care tips: 

• Use a clean cloth to wipe discharge. 
• Wash your hands before and after wiping discharge. 
• Apply cool or warm compresses and don’t wear contact lenses until your doctor approves. 
• Change your towel, pillows etc. 
• Practice overall hygiene and avoid touching eyes for no reason. 

If your condition doesn’t improve after 1 week and you feel visual disturbance, contact an ophthalmologist as this might be a serious condition. 

Important tips: 

• Wash your bed linens, pillowcases, towels in hot water regularly. 
• Don’t share any cloth or wiping things with an infected person. 
• Disinfect surfaces like door knobs, TV remotes etc. 
• If you have an infection in one eye, avoid touching the other eye. 
• If both eyes are infected, still use different wiping cloth for both eyes. 
• Clean hands before and after touching infected eyes or discharge. 

Myths & facts

Here are some common myths and facts that can help you to reduce anxiety. 

1. Myth: You can get pink eyes just by sitting near someone who has it.

Fact: No, conjunctivitis can’t be spread if you are sharing the same room as transmission needs contact through hands, objects. The typical route is touching surfaces used by an infected person and then rubbing your eye. 

2. Myth: Pink eye from allergens is contagious. 

Fact: This is just a myth because it is a reaction of your body to allergens. 

3. Myth: A person always knows exactly how he got it. 

Fact: No. Not always. Sometimes people touch the surface used by infected people in public places. In this case, the exact chain of transmission remains a secret. 

What happens if it’s left untreated? 

Mostly, pink eye cases are self-limiting but there might be potential complications if left untreated. 

• Untreated conditions can cause impaired vision. 
• Newborns have a risk of more serious eye infection. 
• If you use contact lenses, the risk of eye-infection can increase. 

Getting on-time treatment can reduce duration and risk of infection. Avoid going out in public school to protect others. 

Conclusion: In summary, pink eye is a manageable condition. Timely care and hygiene can help you to recover quickly without transmitting to others. So, next time someone you know get a pink eye, you will be clear enough to respond calmly and confidently.