Have itchy eyes that are pink in color? Our conjunctivitis guide explains what causes it, how long it’s contagious, and what the best treatments are to get you relief in no time.

Pink eye – also called conjunctivitis – is a very common eye condition that can be extremely uncomfortable and annoying. It’s caused by an irritation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of your eye. Whether it is viral, bacterial, or an allergen, it is important to know the type of conjunctivitis you are suffering from so that it can be treated properly. This guide will help you learn about the different types of pink eye, recognize your symptoms, and learn the best practices for treatment and prevention to protect your vision and prevent the spread.

How Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Spread?

1. Bacterial and Viral Conjunctivitis: Direct and Indirect Contact

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious and are spread by contact with infective discharge from an infected person’s eye. This happens through:

• Direct Contact: The most common route is direct contact. For example: Touching or shaking hands with someone who has recently touched their eyes and has the illness. Holding or other close contact with someone.
• Indirect Contact: Touching a surface or object that’s been contaminated with the virus or bacteria Some of the more likely culprits include: Doorknobs, countertops (especially if you share your kitchen with someone who has allergies), shared towels or bedding, keyboards, makeup brushes, shared eye drops, or swimming pools. Touching a towel or washcloth an infected person touched.
• Self-Contamination: An infected person touches their infected eye and then touches their other eye, transmission of the infection from eye to eye.
• Respiratory Droplets: Viral conjunctivitis is usually associated with the common cold and can sometimes be transmitted by coughs and sneezes.

The Contagious Period: Viral Conjunctivitis is most contagious when you have symptoms, usually for 10-14 days. Bacterial Conjunctivitis is significantly less contagious after 24 to 48 hours of use of prescription antibiotic eye drops.

2. Allergic Conjunctivitis: Contagious? NO

It is important to realize that allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious in any way. It is the result of the body’s excessive response to an allergen (such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites). No matter how red and itchy your eyes are, it can’t be caught from another person or passed to others.

3. Ophthalmia Neonatorum:

A Special Presentation This is an acute type of bacterial conjunctivitis of newborns. It is transmitted from mother to baby in childbirth, frequently if the mother has a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. It needs urgent medical treatment to avoid severe eye injuries.

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How Is Conjunctivitis Treated?

Treatment is based completely on type:

• Viral: Since viruses are unable to be treated with antibiotics, treatment is limited to symptom relief. Use cool compress and artificial tears. Like a cold, the virus has to run its course.
• Bacterial: The doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Symptoms tend to get better within a few days, but it’s important to complete the full course of medication.
• Allergic: The best remedy is to avoid the allergen. Antihistamine eye drops, artificial tears and allergy pills can offer much relief. Always see a healthcare professional or ophthalmologist if symptoms are severe or persistent or if they are interfering with vision. Never use old or someone else’s eye drops.

Essential Prevention Tips

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis in particular must be controlled.

• Maintain Scrupulous Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap. If soap isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid Touching Your Eyes: As hard as this may be, it prevents spread of the infection to other eyes or other people.
• Do Not Share Personal Items: This includes towels, washcloths, eye drops, cosmetics, pillows or contact lenses.
• Clean surfaces – Regularly disinfect countertops, faucet handles, and items that everyone uses.
• Throw out eye make-up: If you had conjunctivitis, discard any eye make-up used during infection so you don’t re-contaminate your eyes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), staying home from school, work, or daycare until you’re no longer contagious is also an important public health prevention measure.

Are Conjunctivitis and Pink Eye the Same Thing?

Yes, absolutely. “Pink eye” is the common, non-medical term for conjunctivitis. They refer to the same condition. The term “pink eye” is often used because redness is the most obvious and common symptom.

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