Key Takeaways
- Pink eye is inflammation of the thin layer lining your eyelid and eyeball, called the conjunctiva.
- Viral and bacterial pink eye spreads easily through direct and indirect contact.
- Allergic and irritant pink eye are not contagious.
- Good hygiene habits can help slow or stop the spread.
- An optometrist can identify the type you have and recommend the right care.
You wake up, look in the mirror, and your eyes look red, puffy, and crusty at the lash line. Your first thought is probably pink eye, but which kind? Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is inflammation of the thin, clear layer that lines the inside of your eyelid and covers the white of your eye, and it can have a few causes. At Insight Eyecare, we want your family to understand the different kinds and which are contagious.
Pink eye can develop from a virus, bacteria, an allergen like pollen or pet dander, or an irritant like smoke or chlorine. The type you have matters a lot, especially when it comes to whether or not you can pass it to someone else. If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, our team is here to help.
Signs You Might Have Pink Eye
Common Symptoms to Watch For
The signs of pink eye can vary slightly depending on the cause. Generally, however, pink eye is characterized by the white part of your eye (the conjunctiva) looking red and irritated. You might also notice your eyes feel watery, itchy, or uncomfortable overall.
When to Get It Checked
Some cases of pink eye clear up on their own, but certain situations call for a visit to an optometrist. If you’re experiencing eye pain or blurred vision alongside the redness, or if the irritation seems to persist or worsen, that’s worth getting looked at promptly.
If you wear contact lenses, it’s a good idea to take them out and to avoid wearing them until the irritation clears up.
How Contagious Is Pink Eye?
Viral and Bacterial Pink Eye
Both viral and bacterial pink eye can spread quickly and easily. You don’t always need direct contact with someone who has it, either: The infection can transfer through shared towels, tissues, washcloths, or even eye drops. You can also pick it up by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eye.
Along with the classic redness, bacterial pink eye is often associated with thick yellow or green discharge that can make your eyes feel stuck together when you wake up. Viral pink eye often occurs alongside or shortly after a cold or other upper respiratory infection.
Allergic and Irritant Pink Eye
If your pink eye is associated with an allergen or an irritant, it’s not contagious at all. There’s no risk of spreading it to your family, your coworkers, or anyone else. This is because your allergy symptoms are a reaction your body is having to something in the environment, not an infection that can jump from person to person.
Allergic pink eye can often be distinguished by the intense itching that accompanies allergies. If it seems to have come on after being exposed to something you’re allergic to, that’s a good sign you have allergic conjunctivitis.
With an irritant, like a chemical, your pink eye is also not contagious. The redness in this case is being caused by a clear external factor, not by bacteria or a virus, making it isolated to just you.
How to Stop Pink Eye from Spreading
Hygiene Habits That Can Help
If you have viral or bacterial pink eye, a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping it from spreading to others in your household. Try to follow these general hygiene rules:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after touching your eye area.
- Avoid touching or rubbing the affected eye.
- Use separate towels, pillowcases, and washcloths from everyone else in your home.
What to Avoid While Infected
If you do have bacterial or viral pink eye, a few extra steps can help protect you and those around you while you recover. Here are a few general guidelines to follow:
- Skip contact lenses and eye makeup until your symptoms have fully cleared.
- Throw away any makeup you were using when your symptoms first appeared, since it may be contaminated.
- If your work or school setting involves close contact with others, staying home while you’re contagious is a considerate call.
- Some bacteria and viruses that cause pink eye can remain on surfaces for a period of time, making regular cleaning a helpful precaution.
How an Optometrist in South Surrey and White Rock Can Help
It can sometimes be difficult to know what is causing your pink eye, which makes it tricky to manage on your own. Visiting an optometrist in South Surrey and White Rock can help you figure out exactly what type you’re dealing with, so you’re not guessing.
Schedule Your Visit
Our team at Insight Eyecare can take a closer look at your eyes, identify what’s associated with your symptoms, and recommend the right course of care to help you feel better. If you’re dealing with red, irritated eyes and want answers, we encourage you to book an appointment.
