Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white part of the eyeball. When small blood vessels in this membrane become swollen, they become more visible, giving the eye a characteristic reddish or pink appearance. Pink eye is often caused by an infection and is highly contagious, making it a common concern during close contact. This article clarifies how pink eye spreads and addresses the risk associated with kissing.
Understanding the Types of Conjunctivitis
Pink eye is categorized into three main types: viral, bacterial, and allergic. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form, often caused by adenoviruses responsible for the common cold, and is extremely contagious. Symptoms typically include redness and a watery discharge, sometimes accompanied by an upper respiratory infection.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is less frequent but also highly contagious, generally presenting with a thicker, sticky discharge that is yellow or green. This discharge may cause the eyelids to crust shut overnight. This type often requires antibiotic treatment to shorten the illness duration. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious; it is triggered by environmental allergens like pollen or pet dander. Its main symptoms are intense itching, tearing, and redness in both eyes, resulting from the body releasing histamines.
How Pink Eye Spreads
The infectious forms of pink eye (viral and bacterial) are primarily transmitted through contact with discharge from an infected person’s eye. Transmission involves either direct or indirect contact. Direct contact occurs when touching an infected person’s eye or eye secretions, such as when cleaning discharge or applying eye drops.
Indirect transmission is the most common route and involves fomites, which are contaminated objects or surfaces. This occurs when an infected person touches their eye and then touches a doorknob, towel, or phone, leaving infectious agents behind. A healthy person then touches that contaminated surface and subsequently touches their own eye, transferring the virus or bacteria. Pink eye can also spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how a cold spreads.
Kissing and The Risk of Transmission
Kissing does not typically transfer the infectious agent through saliva itself, as eye-specific viruses and bacteria are not generally found in high concentrations in the mouth. However, kissing involves extremely close facial proximity, which significantly increases the risk of transmission through indirect transfer.
A person with pink eye may have viral particles present on their hands, face, or around the eye area from wiping discharge. During a kiss, these particles can easily transfer to the partner’s face or lips. If the uninfected partner then touches their face or lips and subsequently rubs their own eye, the infection can be transferred. Close contact also increases the likelihood of exposure to respiratory droplets containing the pathogen. While pink eye is not a “kissing disease,” the close personal interaction makes transmission highly likely through secondary contact.
Preventing the Spread of Pink Eye
Practicing meticulous hygiene is the most effective way to prevent catching or spreading infectious pink eye. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the most important action. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable.
Individuals with pink eye should avoid touching or rubbing their eyes to prevent spreading the infection to others or to the other eye. If symptoms worsen, do not improve within a few days, or if there is severe pain or blurred vision, seek medical attention immediately.
Preventative measures include:
- Never sharing personal items that contact the eyes or face, including towels, washcloths, pillowcases, and eye makeup.
- Disposing of tissues immediately after wiping eye discharge.
- Washing all pillowcases, sheets, and towels used by an infected person in hot water and detergent.