Pink eye is also known as conjunctivitis which is caused by a virus or bacteria. The symptoms that can be present are itchy, red, watery eyes, and sometimes an eye discharge. Pink eyes are contagious for days to weeks after these symptoms occurred.
When children are diagnosed with pink eyes, they are advised to stay home until it is gone. It is because the transmission of infection is highly contagious when it comes to schools and day centers. After all, they are in close contact together.
It can be a little confusing when they say to stay home until the pink eye is not contagious anymore. For everyone’s safety, it is better to go out when the symptoms are no longer present which can take three to seven days.
The following change in appearance can be a sign that the pink eye is fading:
- Sclera or the white of the eye should come back to its original color which means it should not be pink anymore
- There should be no yellow discharge in the corners of your eyes
- No matter buildup on the eyelashes
Treatments for Pink Eye
The treatment for pink eyes depends on what caused the pink eye to occur, it can be caused by bacteria or viruses.
If it is caused by bacteria, antibiotic ointments or eye drops are effective to treat conjunctivitis. For the eye drop to make its effect, you will need up to 24 hours.
If it is caused by a virus, there is no treatment but to let the virus run its course. The only thing that you can do is to relieve the symptoms present. If you experience irritability in your eyes, apply eye drops to soothe it.
There can be a scenario when the pink eye is caused by eye allergy which means it is not contagious. It is important to consult an eye doctor to make sure what type of pink eye you have.
Getting Exposed to Contagious Pink Eye
Not knowing the cause of pink eye makes it harder to know how long the pink eye is contagious. There are many ways to be exposed to contagious pink eyes such as swimming in pool water with certain adenoviruses and getting exposed to contaminated objects.
To prevent the risk of getting contagious pink eyes, swim with goggles to prevent the exposure of eyes to the water. Do not touch your eyes with hands that touch different objects because it can be contaminated.
Notify the eye doctor if there is no improvement in your pink eye while getting it treated.
