Pink eye is primarily caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or other irritants. The infection usually lasts one to three weeks, depending on the cause.
This article explains pink eye types, diagnosis, and treatment.
Types of Pink Eye
Pink eye occurs when something irritates the eye. Causes include a virus, bacteria, allergen, or some other irritant.
Viral Pink Eye
A virus causes viral pink eye. The adenovirus (responsible for the common cold) typically causes pink eye. It spreads the way many other viruses spread through exposure to someone else’s cough or sneeze.
Viral pink eye can also spread within your body. For example, if you have a cold or other upper respiratory infection, the infection can move through your connected mucous membranes (from your nose to your tear ducts).
Symptoms of viral pink eye include:
BurningRednessWatery discharge
Most cases of viral pink eye are mild and clear up within one to two weeks. However, it can sometimes linger for as long as three weeks.
Bacterial Pink Eye
A bacterial infection causes bacterial pink eye. Staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria are often responsible for pink eye. This bacteria enters your eye through physical contact, rubbing your eye, or using contaminated makeup or other beauty products.
Symptoms of bacterial pink eye include:
SorenessRednessSticky pus that oozes from the eye
Bacterial pink eye can be mild and go away on its own in a few days. However, it can take up to two weeks to completely clear and may require antibiotics.
Diagnosing Pink Eye
A healthcare provider can diagnose pink eye through a physical exam and evaluate your medical history and symptoms.
Sometimes they will also collect a sample of your eye discharge to have a lab evaluate what type of pathogen is causing your infection to determine the best treatment. A culture isn’t always necessary, though, since certain clinical signs indicate an infection is viral, bacterial, or allergenic.
Treatment
Often, pink eye will resolve in a couple of weeks. However, other times it requires treatment. Overall, pink eye treatment aims to reduce discomfort, resolve the infection, and prevent it from spreading.
How you resolve the infection depends on what is causing your pink eye.
Bacterial pink eye: A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to clear up the infection. Antibiotics often start to help within a few days. Viral pink eye: A virus needs to run its course, which often takes one to two weeks. You can relieve discomfort through various home remedies like warm compresses and artificial tears. Allergic or irritant pink eye: Flushing the eyes to remove the allergen and avoiding re-exposure is key. A healthcare provider may suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, topical steroids, or antihistamines.
Prevention
Pink eye is very contagious. Therefore, the best way to prevent infection is through good hygiene practices, like hand washing and avoiding touching your eyes. To prevent pink eye, consider the following:
Wash hands frequently Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes Avoid sharing personal care items with others (eye drops, makeup, or facial cleansers) Wash pillowcases, towels, and washcloths in hot water Keep eyeglasses clean Clean, store, and replace contact lenses as directed Avoid public swimming pools
What to Expect
Often, pink eye resolves on its own within a couple of weeks. Still, it’s good to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or healthcare provider. They will be able to diagnose what is causing your infection and provide a treatment plan to offer relief.
Summary
Viruses, bacteria, allergens, and irritants cause pink eye. This infection leads to inflammation, redness, itching, and eye discharge. Usually, pink eye resolves on its own in one to three weeks. However, bacterial infections may require antibiotic eye drops. In addition, comfort measures like cool compresses and artificial tears may provide relief.
A Word From Verywell
If you have allergies or an upper respiratory infection, it can sometimes be hard to tell if itchy, irritated eyes are a side effect of your ailment or due to pink eye. In this case, discharge or crusting may tell you something else is happening. Since pink eye is highly contagious, keep it from spreading by frequently washing your hands, avoiding touching your eyes, and not sharing towels with family members while you are sick.
