Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This inflammation causes the eye to appear pink or red. While pink eye is a common condition, swimming with it is generally not recommended due to potential risks.
Types of Pink Eye and Contagion
Pink eye can stem from various causes, categorized mainly into viral, bacterial, and allergic types. Each type has different implications for contagiousness.
Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form and is highly contagious. It is often caused by the same viruses responsible for the common cold and can spread rapidly through direct contact with eye secretions or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include watery discharge and a burning sensation in the eyes.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is also contagious, though less common than the viral type. It is caused by bacteria and often presents with a sticky, pus-like discharge that can cause eyelids to stick together, especially in the morning. This type can spread through direct contact.
Allergic conjunctivitis, unlike viral and bacterial forms, is not contagious. This type occurs when the eyes react to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, or even irritants like chlorine. Symptoms involve intense itching, redness, and watery eyes.
Why Swimming with Pink Eye is Risky
Swimming with pink eye, particularly the viral or bacterial forms, carries specific dangers for both the infected individual and others. A significant risk is spreading the infection to other swimmers. Viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious, and the microorganisms can spread in public pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water, even if the water is chlorinated. Sharing items like towels, goggles, or surfaces by the pool can also facilitate transmission.
Swimming can also worsen symptoms or delay recovery for the infected individual. Chlorine in pool water, a chemical irritant, can further inflame an already irritated eye, increasing discomfort and redness. Chlorine can disrupt the tear film that protects the eyes, making them more vulnerable to chemicals and bacteria present in the water. This can lead to grittiness, dry eye, and blurred vision.
When It’s Safe to Return to the Water
Returning to swimming after pink eye depends on the type of conjunctivitis and its resolution. Clear guidelines help ensure both personal health and public safety.
For viral pink eye, avoid swimming until symptoms have completely cleared. Viral conjunctivitis can remain contagious as long as symptoms like redness and discharge are present, which can be up to two weeks or longer. Since there is no specific treatment for viral pink eye, it must resolve on its own.
For bacterial pink eye, avoid swimming until symptoms have resolved and, if antibiotics were prescribed, until at least 24 hours after starting treatment and no discharge. Bacterial infections improve within 24 hours of starting antibiotics, or within 10 days without them. Consulting a healthcare professional for clearance is advisable before resuming water activities.
Individuals with allergic pink eye can return to swimming once their symptoms are managed and irritation is minimal, as this type is not contagious. Regardless of the type of pink eye, practicing good hygiene is important; this includes frequent hand washing, avoiding rubbing eyes, and not sharing personal items like towels or eye makeup.