What is Pinkeye?
Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the thin tissue lining the white part of the eye. It's often caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies.
Types of Pinkeye
Bacterial (Contagious)
- Thick yellow-green discharge that returns after wiping
- Usually one eye initially
- Treat with prescribed antibiotic drops
- Return to school after 24 hours of treatment
- Usually clears in 2-5 days with treatment
Viral (Contagious)
- Watery discharge, redness, often with cold symptoms
- May spread from one eye to the other
- No antibiotics needed, supportive care only
- Return to school when symptoms improve or per school’s protocol.
- Can last 7-14 days
Allergic (Not Contagious)
- Very itchy, both eyes affected at once
- Often with sneezing, clear runny nose
- No need to stay home from school
- Continues as long as exposure to allergen persists
Home Care
- Bacterial: Antibiotic drops as prescribed + warm compresses
- Viral: Warm compresses + artificial tears (Not Visine)
- Allergic: Cold compresses + avoid allergen triggers + over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops
- All types: Clean from inner to outer eye with clean, damp cloth
Prevent Spread (For Contagious Types)
- Frequent handwashing (20 seconds with soap)
- Separate towels, pillowcases, and washcloths
- Avoid touching or rubbing eyes
- Replace any eye makeup
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces
- Replace toothbrush once infection clears
When to Contact Us Again
- Symptoms worsen after 48 hours of treatment
- Eye pain with pink eye
- Increased swelling or redness
- Trouble administering eye drops
- No improvement after 2-3 days of treatment
When to Seek Emergency Care
- Severe eye pain or headache
- Vision becomes blurry/ Vision loss
- Significant swelling beyond the eye to face
- High fever with eye symptoms
We'll check in with you 24 hours after your visit. If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of 24/7 Medical advisors.
