Pink eye is a common eye infection, with approximately 6 million cases in the US each year. The medical term is conjunctivitis. It is inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eye). Infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious (easily spread). Please continue reading to learn more about how long pink eye lasts, how to tell if you’re still contagious, and treatment options for pink eye.

What causes pink eye?

There are different types of pink eye, the most common being pink eye caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral pink eye is more common than bacterial conjunctivitis. Adenoviruses and coronaviruses are common causes of viral pink eye. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Hemophilus influenzae are some of the organisms that can cause bacterial pink eye.

Other causes of pink eye include allergies to pollen, grass, or dust. This is called allergic conjunctivitis. Irritants such as eye makeup or chlorine in pool water can also cause pink eye. 

People who wear contact lenses are at a higher risk of getting pink eye. An upper respiratory infection such as a cough or common cold can lead to pink eye infections. Close contact with someone who has pink eye is a risk factor. People with a weakened immune system are at risk of pink eye.

What are pink eye symptoms?

Symptoms of a pink eye infection include red or pink eyes, itching, burning, watering, a thick discharge (fluid) from the eye that is white, yellow, or green, and crusting along the eyelid margin, which can cause difficulty opening your eyes after waking up from sleep. 

Other pink eye symptoms can include swelling of the eyelids, grittiness (a sensation that there is something in the eye), blurred vision, light sensitivity, and the presence of a lump in front of your ear.

Can pink eye go away overnight?

Pink eye does not go away overnight. Mild cases of bacterial infection may go away in one to two weeks. Symptoms usually start getting better 3-4 days after starting antibiotics. Severe cases of pink eye due to a viral infection can take up to two weeks or longer to clear.

How long is pink eye contagious?

Viral conjunctivitis can be contagious even before symptoms start. It remains highly contagious for 7-14 days (until symptoms clear). 

Bacterial conjunctivitis becomes contagious after symptoms appear. It remains contagious until there is discharge from the infected eye or 24 hours after antibiotic treatment is started. 

Irritant and allergic conjunctivitis are not contagious. 

How to tell if pink eye is still contagious?

Viral and bacterial pink eye are both contagious if you have:

• Red or pink eyes
• Swelling around the eyes
• Burning in the eyes
• Watery discharge
• Itchy eyes
• Discharge from the eye 
• Crusting (sticky eyes after waking up from sleep)
• Grittiness or irritation in the eyes

What gets rid of pink eye fast?

Pink eye treatment depends on the cause.

Bacterial pink eye

Your healthcare provider will give you antibiotic eye drops, ointment, or pills to treat bacterial pink eye. Antibiotics can help get rid of symptoms faster. Children with bacterial conjunctivitis frequently have an ear infection that needs to be treated as well. If you wear disposable contact lenses, stop wearing them while you have symptoms of infectious conjunctivitis. Use a new pair after your symptoms clear.

Viral pink eye

Infections caused by viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Viral pink does not require a specific treatment plan and usually gets better on its own. However, if the viral pink eye is caused by the herpes simplex virus or the varicella zoster virus (chickenpox virus), then your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medications because these serious infections can cause scarring and vision loss if left untreated. 

Irritant pink eye

Treatment consists of avoiding further exposure to the irritating substance. Gently rinse your eyes with warm water for 5 minutes. Seek medical care if your eye symptoms do not improve after 4 hours. Seek immediate medical attention if you have been exposed to a strong chemical.

Allergic pink eye

Avoid exposure to the allergens that cause your symptoms. Prescription or over-the-counter allergy medicines, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and steroids, can help relieve symptoms of allergic pink eye. Cold compresses and artificial tears may also provide relief. Stop wearing contact lenses until your symptoms clear. 

Should I stay home if I have pink eye?

You should stay home if you have pink eye symptoms, especially if your activities at school or work involve close contact with others. Once your symptoms clear, you are no longer contagious, and you can return to work or school. 

How to prevent infection? 

Here are a few ways to lower your risk of getting a pink eye infection:

• Practice good hygiene (hand washing with soap and water).
• Avoid touching or rubbing an infected eye.
• Clean any discharge with a cotton ball and discard it immediately.
• Wash your hands after applying eye drops for yourself or someone else.
• Avoid sharing towels, makeup, contact lenses, and other personal items.

References:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8614-pink-eye
2. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/pink-eye
3. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/causes.html
4. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/transmission.html
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470271/