Causes

Pinkeye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, pollution, or other irritants. It can be very contagious and spreads easily from person to person.

Symptoms

Pinkeye causes red, swollen, itchy, watery eyes. Eyes may burn or feel like they have sand in them. Bacterial pinkeye usually has a yellow-green discharge throughout the day. Viral pinkeye may be crusty in the morning but have a clear discharge throughout the day.

Treatment

Treatment for pinkeye depends on what type you have. Bacterial pinkeye is treated with antibiotic ointments or drops. Viral pinkeye doesn’t require medical treatment and usually clears up within 1 week. See your doctor if it lasts longer than 1 week.

Prevention

If you or your child has pinkeye, there are several things you can do to prevent the spread of the infection:

• Don’t share towels, washcloths, or anything else that touches the eyes. Wash these items separately in hot water.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly if you have pinkeye, if you are caring for someone who does, or even if you are around someone who has the infection, especially before and after eye care.
• Keep a child with pinkeye home from school until he or she is no longer contagious. Bacterial pinkeye is contagious until 24 hours after antibiotic drops are started.

Self-Care

• Apply warm, moist compresses to the eyes to relieve irritation and buildup of discharge.
• Use a cold compress to relieve itching.
• Gently wipe away the discharge or crust with a washcloth or cotton ball and warm water.
• Don’t rub your eyes. It can spread the infection from one eye to the other.
• If you wear contact lenses, don’t wear them until the redness and irritation are gone.
• Don’t use over-the-counter eye preparations other than artificial tears.
• Wear sunglasses or avoid bright lights if your eyes are sensitive.
• Call your doctor if eyes are pink or red with watery discharge for more than 7 days.