Have your eyes been red, itchy, or watery? Or maybe your child keeps rubbing their eyes and they are pink and puffy? These could be signs of pink eye.
During a comprehensive eye exam, our experienced optometrists in Omaha and Council Bluffs can figure out the underlying cause of your symptoms and help you feel better sooner. Keep reading to learn how to spot pink eye, understand what causes it, and take steps to manage it before it spreads.
What is pink eye?
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, happens when the thin layer covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids gets inflamed. You might notice redness, itching, watery eyes, or sticky discharge. Some cases are mild and clear up on their own, while others need professional treatment to avoid discomfort or spreading it to others.
How do you get pink eye?
There are a few ways you can develop pink eyes:
1. Viral conjunctivitis
Sometimes viruses, even the ones that give you a cold, can infect the eyes. This leads to redness, watering, and irritation.
Viral pink eye usually improves on its own. However, it spreads easily through direct contact, such as touching a contaminated object like a doorknob and then touching your eyes.¹
2. Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacteria can cause pink eye with noticeable redness, swelling, and thick yellow or green discharge. It spreads quickly through contact with infected eye secretions or shared items.
3. Allergic conjunctivitis
You can also get pink eye from allergens like pet dander, pollen, or dust, leading to itchy, watery, and red eyes. Allergic pink eye is not contagious because it’s an allergic reaction.¹
Signs of pink eye
Pink eye usually affects both eyes and causes symptoms like¹:
- Redness in one or both eyes
- An itching, burning, or scratchy feeling
- Grittiness or a feeling like sand is in your eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Watery or sticky discharge
- Crusty eyelids in the morning
- Sensitivity to light
Catching pink eye early makes treatment simpler and helps prevent it from spreading to friends, family, or classmates.
How long does pink eye last?
How long pink eye lasts varies depending on the cause:
- Viral pink eye: Often clears within one to two weeks²
- Bacterial pink eye: Usually improves in 2–5 days with treatment, but full recovery can take up to two weeks²
- Allergic pink eye: Symptoms continue as long as you’re exposed to the trigger
Pink eye treatment
If your symptoms worsen or your eyes don’t feel better within a day, it’s best to see an eye doctor for a professional evaluation and treatment recommendations. Treatment for pink eye will depend on the type:
- Viral: Use artificial tears and cold compresses to ease discomfort
- Bacterial: Prescription antibiotic drops or ointments can clear up the infection
- Allergic: Antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops help calm irritation
If your child is showing signs of pink eye, scheduling a pediatric eye exam helps them get the care they need fast.
Tips to prevent pink eye
You can help protect yourself and others by³:
- Washing hands often for at least 20 seconds
- Avoiding rubbing your eyes
- Using separate eye drop bottles for each eye if needed
- Washing towels, pillowcases, and washcloths in hot water and detergent
- Gently wiping away discharge with a clean cloth or cotton ball
- Not sharing makeup, towels, or pillows
- Wearing glasses instead of contacts until you recover
Keep your eyes healthy and comfortable
Pink eye can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but with the right care, your eyes can start feeling normal again quickly. Our knowledgeable team can figure out what’s causing your symptoms, recommend the best treatment, and share tips to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Book an appointment today to ease irritation, protect your eyes, and keep your vision healthy for you and your family.
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