Pink eye is primarily caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or other irritants. The infection usually lasts one to three weeks, depending on the cause. Show This article explains pink eye types, diagnosis, and treatment. ProfessionalStudioImages / Getty Images Types of Pink EyePink eye occurs when something irritates the eye. Causes include a virus, bacteria, allergen, or some other irritant. Viral Pink EyeA 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:
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 EyeA 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:
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. How Long Does Pink Eye Last?Pink eye generally lasts between one to three weeks. Both viral and bacterial infections can be mild and go away independently. However, bacterial infections may require antibiotics to clear fully. In addition, allergies and chemical irritants can cause pink eye. Usually, removing the allergen or irritant resolves the problem. Diagnosing Pink EyeA 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. Is It Pink Eye or Allergies? TreatmentOften, 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.
PreventionPink 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:
What to ExpectOften, 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. SummaryViruses, 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 VerywellIf 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. Frequently Asked Questions
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