Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition involving inflammation of the conjunctiva. This transparent membrane lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. When irritated, its small blood vessels become more visible, giving the eye its characteristic pink or reddish appearance. It can affect people of all ages.
Understanding How Pink Eye Spreads
Pink eye is not typically considered an airborne disease like colds or the flu. While coughs or sneezes can expel respiratory droplets, transmission occurs if these droplets directly contact eyes, or if someone touches contaminated surfaces and then their own eyes. Pink eye microbes primarily spread through direct or indirect contact with infectious eye material.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with eye secretions, such as touching an infected eye and then another eye or person. Indirect contact is also common, involving contaminated objects like doorknobs, towels, pillowcases, or shared makeup. Viruses, like adenoviruses, can survive on surfaces for some time, contributing to spread. Maintaining hand hygiene is important to interrupt these transmission pathways.
Distinguishing Types of Pink Eye
Pink eye has several types, with contagiousness depending on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis is the most frequent and highly contagious type, often associated with colds or respiratory infections. Symptoms include burning, watery discharge, and redness, typically starting in one eye before spreading. It can remain contagious for up to three weeks, or as long as symptoms persist.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is also contagious, but less common than the viral form. It often produces a thicker, sticky discharge that can cause eyelids to stick together, especially upon waking. This type is treatable with antibiotic eye drops, reducing symptoms, speeding healing, and limiting transmission. Without antibiotics, bacterial pink eye can be contagious for about a week, but with treatment, a person might no longer be contagious after 24 hours.
Allergic conjunctivitis, however, is not contagious. This type results from the eye’s reaction to allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Symptoms typically include intense itching, redness, tearing, and sometimes puffy eyelids, often affecting both eyes simultaneously. Since it is an allergic reaction, it does not spread from person to person.
Preventing Spread and Infection
Practicing consistent hygiene is important to prevent pink eye spread. Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is important, especially after touching the eyes or face, and before and after applying eye drops. If soap and water are unavailable, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be used. Avoid touching or rubbing eyes, as this can transfer infectious material.
Do not share personal items that contact the eyes, such as towels, washcloths, pillowcases, eye makeup, or contact lenses. Used tissues should be discarded promptly, and bedding and towels should be washed frequently in hot water with detergent. Contact lens wearers should stop using lenses if pink eye symptoms appear, discarding old lenses and solutions, and using a new pair after recovery. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, including severe pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or excessive eye discharge.