Eyelid eye is one of the most unwanted and common infections. People who suffer from red, swollen eyes, dry pus, and sticky discharge may want to avoid going out in public.
Most of the 6 million people who experience this condition each year also want to avoid some of the other more unpleasant symptoms. These include increased sensitivity to light, an acute burning sensation, or itching that can cause some of the eyelashes to rub or loosen in some people.
But beyond the personal discomfort and public embarrassment, most of us don’t want to pass on the infection, especially to loved ones or strangers. A better understanding of how different forms of pink eye commonly spread will aid this effort.
What is pink eye?
Conjunctivitis, also known as conjunctivitis, is an eye infection that occurs when the thin outer membrane of the eye, called the conjunctiva, becomes infected and inflamed. “This is the most common eye disease diagnosed in emergency medicine settings in the United States,” says Dr. Daniel Shapiro, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco. “And most people are likely to develop conjunctivitis at some point in their lives, with peak incidence occurring during childhood and early adulthood.”
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Blank eyes can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, chemical (toxin) irritation, or allergies. “Viral conjunctivitis is worse in the fall and winter,” says Dr. John Epling, a practicing family physician and professor of population health at Virginia Tech’s Carilion School of Medicine. This is because they often coincide with increases in respiratory illnesses caused by similar viruses, such as when the pink eye-adjacent new coronavirus variant Arcturus spread rapidly in fall 2023. On the other hand, “allergic conjunctivitis can occur in the spring,” summer and/or fall, depending on the specific allergies a person has. ” he added.
Is pink eye contagious?
This timing is important. That’s because a person’s type of exposure determines whether they are contagious and how long their symptoms typically last. “Viral conjunctivitis lasts from a few days to a week,” Epling says, while bacterial conjunctivitis may last until treated with eye drops or ointment, “and then it should go away in a few days.” says. Allergic conjunctivitis “lasts as long as the allergen, such as pollen, is present, but can be managed with medication and avoidance of the allergen.” For toxic or chemical conjunctivitis, “treatment depends on the exposure. “This can change, so it’s important to see your doctor right away,” Epling advises.
Of these different types and causes of pink eye, only infectious conjunctivitis (meaning pink eye caused by viruses or bacteria) is contagious, according to Shapiro. In both cases, the infection can be spread by direct contact with an infected person or by contact with contaminated objects. “Some viral conjunctivitis is also part of a systemic viral illness that causes infected people to have a fever, cough, stuffy nose, and fatigue,” Shapiro says. In such cases, “conjunctivitis may also develop as part of the viral syndrome due to transmission of the virus through contact or droplets.”
Epling warned that conjunctivitis, which is caused by viruses and bacteria, is “highly contagious” and often “spreads rapidly in schools and nurseries.”
How to prevent eye irritation
For this reason, Shapiro says the best way to prevent pink eye, which is caused by bacteria or viruses, is to avoid close contact with people who currently have the disease (have symptoms) and avoid touching the same surfaces. , says to avoid sharing the same items such as glasses. , cosmetics, eye drops, towels or bedding.
If pink eyes occur due to seasonal allergies, it may be helpful to avoid the allergen (if possible) or treat it with certain antihistamines or anti-inflammatory eye drops, Epling says. .
If you are contagious and want to avoid infecting others, avoid close contact with others while you have symptoms, avoid touching your eyes, and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. It is best to maintain good hygiene by not sharing with others. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is prohibited to bring personal items with other people or swim in public pools.
To alleviate symptoms, Epling recommends applying warm compresses and getting antibiotic eye drops or ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis (“antibiotics are generally ineffective for viral conjunctivitis,” he says). ), advises gently rinsing the eyes with cold or lukewarm water, or using artificial tears. To help with dryness and irritation.
“If your symptoms persist for more than a few days, it’s best to seek medical attention as complications may be developing,” Epling says. “Most GPs can treat conjunctivitis, but in some cases you may need to see an eye doctor.”