Pink Eye: Is It Contagious, and When Should You See a Doctor?
Few things clear a room faster than someone announcing they have pink eye. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is inflammation of the thin clear layer covering the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. Whether it is contagious depends entirely on what caused it.
The three main types
- Viral. The most common type, often arriving with a cold. Watery discharge, redness and a gritty feeling, frequently starting in one eye and spreading to the other. Very contagious.
- Bacterial. Thicker yellow or green discharge that can glue your lashes together overnight. Also contagious.
- Allergic. Itchy, watery, red eyes, usually both at once, often alongside sneezing. Not contagious at all, so feel free to sit next to people.
How to keep it from spreading
- Wash your hands often, and keep them away from your eyes
- Use your own towel and pillowcase, and wash them in hot water
- Do not share eye drops or makeup, and toss eye makeup you used while infected
- Stop wearing contact lenses until your eyes have cleared, and replace the case
When to see an eye doctor
Mild viral pink eye often clears on its own, but plenty of other problems look like pink eye, and some of them are more serious. Call us if you have:
- Eye pain, not just irritation
- Blurry vision that does not clear when you blink
- Strong sensitivity to light
- Thick discharge, which may need prescription drops
- Symptoms while wearing contact lenses
- Redness that is getting worse after a few days
We treat pink eye and red eye at our Myrtle Beach office, and we offer same-day appointments, so you do not have to spend a week looking like you lost a fight. Call (843) 796-1155.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is pink eye contagious?
Viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious while symptoms are present. Bacterial pink eye usually becomes much less contagious within about a day of starting prescription drops. Allergic pink eye is not contagious.
Do I need antibiotic drops for pink eye?
Only bacterial pink eye responds to antibiotics. Viral pink eye usually clears on its own, and allergic pink eye is treated with allergy drops. An eye exam tells you which one you have.
Can I wear contacts with pink eye?
No. Stop wearing contacts until your eyes have fully cleared, and replace your lenses and case to avoid reinfecting yourself.
Is pink eye an emergency?
Usually not, but eye pain, blurry vision or strong light sensitivity should be checked the same day.