Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition that causes the eye to appear red and inflamed. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or irritants like smoke or chlorine.
According to NCBI, approximately 6 million Americans experience acute conjunctivitis every year, with 70% of these individuals seeking primary and urgent care.
The contagiousness of pink eye depends on its underlying causes. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how conjunctivitis spreads to prevent its transmission to others while taking timely measures.
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Pink eye occurs when the blood vessels in the conjunctiva (the thin and delicate membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelid) become swollen and inflamed. This inflammation gives the eye a pink or reddish appearance.
Pink eye is classified into three types based on its causes, including:
This type is caused by microorganisms like:
Staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria can cause pink eye. Bacteria can spread through sharing objects, touching eyes with dirty hands, or having close contact with an infected individual.
Common cold viruses are the most common cause of pink eye. This infection spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person, usually when a person coughs, sneezes, or wipes their face and then touches a surface.
Allergens such as molds, pollens, or pet dander, as well as wearing soft or hard contact lenses, may lead to allergic conjunctivitis.
It can be triggered by irritants such as air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to various chemicals.
Pink eye can lead to:
Infectious conjunctivitis caused by viruses and bacteria is contagious, as the infection can easily transmit from one person to the other. The incubation period (the time between becoming infected and experiencing symptoms) for viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is 2 to 3 days.
However, an infected individual can transmit the infection to others even before experiencing symptoms by:
Bacteria can typically remain viable on surfaces for approximately eight hours, though certain strains can persist for a few days. Viruses can survive for a few days, and even longer in some cases.
Touching a surface contaminated with viruses or bacteria and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth can transmit the infection to you.
Contact lenses, particularly extended-wear lenses, can increase your susceptibility to pink eye. This is because bacteria can thrive and multiply beneath the lenses.
Practicing general hygiene can help prevent the spread of pink eye and protect you and others from this condition.
As pink eye transmits through contact with an infected individual or contaminated surface, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds every time before touching your eyes is recommended to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection (think the Star Spangled Banner, before you get to the Rockets’ Red Glare).
Refrain from sharing personal items that come into contact with your face, such as washcloths, pillowcases, and sheets, as they may contain viruses or bacteria. Also, promptly wash any linen used by an infected individual to prevent infection.
Switch to wearing glasses instead of contact lenses while your eyes are healing from pink eye to prevent the spread of the infection and reduce the risk of recurrence. Furthermore, discard any contact lenses or solution used when you have pink eye.
Avoid sharing mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadow with others, as they closely come in contact with your eyes. Also, discard old makeup used when your eyes are healing to prevent the risk of recurrent infection.
If you experience pink eye, avoid rubbing or touching your eyes. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth if someone in your vicinity has pink eye, or whenever you are out in public. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly — or use hand sanitizer — before touching your face.
Pink eye caused by bacteria is contagious during the presence of symptoms or up to 24 to 48 hours after taking antibiotic treatment. Conversely, if a virus causes pink eye, it remains contagious until your symptoms fade, which typically takes several days.
So, if you or your child is diagnosed with bacterial or viral pink eye, staying home from work, school, or daycare is advisable until the contagious period is over. This helps to avoid spreading conjunctivitis.
While pink eye may not be life-threatening, it can be irritating and inconvenient to others — and rarely, lead to major complications like eye pain and blindness if a bacterial infection invades the cornea.
So, if you or anyone in your family develops conjunctivitis, visit one of our urgent care centers in Irvine Woodbridge Walk-In Urgent Care, Fountain Valley Urgent Care and Costa Mesa Urgent Care for prompt intervention.
Content Source: NCBI
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
