How serious is pink eye?

Though highly contagious, pink eye is usually not a serious condition. Most cases of mild to moderate pink eye clear on their own without treatment. Treatment is often needed if pink eye is severe. It can shorten the amount of time you feel symptoms and can spread the condition to others.

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When should I worry about pink eye?

You should see a healthcare provider if you have conjunctivitis along with any of the following: pain in the eye(s) sensitivity to light or blurred vision that does not improve when discharge is wiped from the eye(s) intense redness in the eye(s)

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What will happen if pink eye is left untreated?

Left untreated, certain types of pink eye (the bacterial varieties) can lead to infections of the cornea, eyelids and even tear ducts.

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Can pink eye turn into something serious?

Are there long-term pink eye complications? Pink eye usually does not have long-term complications. Rarely, the cornea becomes chronically inflamed, leading to permanent vision problems. You should see an ophthalmologist if your pink eye does not resolve or if it gets worse after a week of treatment.

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What are serious symptoms of pink eye?

Symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye) can include
  • Pink or red color in the white of the eye(s)
  • Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids.
  • Increased tear production.
  • Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s)

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Acute Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) | Allergic, Bacterial, Viral | Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

18 related questions found

Is pink eye ever an emergency?

As earlier on mentioned, pink eyes are relatively harmless and will more often than not go away on their own. In some cases though, the viral pink eye can last more than a week and becomes chronic. If your pink eye lasts anything more than 5 days, you need to visit the nearest emergency room for urgent medical care.

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What does the first stage of pink eye look like?

Redness in one or both eyes. Itchiness in one or both eyes. A gritty feeling in one or both eyes. A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning.

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Do I need antibiotics for pink eye?

In most cases, you won't need antibiotic eye drops. Since conjunctivitis is usually viral, antibiotics won't help. They may even cause harm by reducing their effectiveness in the future or causing a medicine reaction. Instead, the virus needs time to run its course.

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How can you tell if pink eye is viral or bacterial?

Color or tint of the whites of eye: Salmon (light pink) color may be a sign of a viral infection. A reddish color is more likely to be a bacterial conjunctivitis. If it's in one or both eyes: If you have pink eye that's in both eyes, a virus is probably causing it.

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Should I stay home if I have pink eye?

If you have conjunctivitis but do not have fever or other symptoms, you may be allowed to remain at work or school with your doctor's approval. However, if you still have symptoms, and your activities at work or school include close contact with other people, you should not attend.

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How many days is pink eye contagious?

Viral pink eye is contagious before symptoms appear and for as long as symptoms are present. Bacterial pink eye is contagious as long as someone is symptomatic, if there is discharge from the eye, or until 24 hours after starting antibiotics. Allergic conjunctivitis and irritant conjunctivitis are not contagious.

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How long does pink eye actually last?

Viral: Pink eye caused by a virus usually clears up within 1 to 2 weeks. But it can take as long as 3 weeks. Bacterial: Even without treatment, mild bacterial conjunctivitis can resolve on its own within a week.

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What are the stages of pink eye?

Stages of bacterial pink eye

A typical bacterial case may start like viral pink eye, with slight irritation and redness. Then drainage in the form of pus will become noticeable. This is usually white, yellow or yellow-green in color. As it dries, it will leave a crusty film on the eyelids.

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How did I get pink eye overnight?

Pink eye is most often caused by a virus. It usually occurs at the same time as or right after you have had a cold. Less commonly, pink eye can be caused by infection with bacteria. Dry air, allergies, smoke, and chemicals can also cause pink eye.

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Can you be around someone with pink eye?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) are very contagious. They can spread easily from person to person. You can greatly reduce the risk of getting conjunctivitis or spreading it to someone else by following some simple steps for good hygiene.

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What's the difference between pink eye and conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is most often caused by germs such as viruses and bacteria. "Pink eye" most often refers to a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily among children. Conjunctivitis can be found in people with COVID-19 before they have other typical symptoms.

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What's the difference between pink eye and bacterial pink eye?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis cause similar symptoms, including redness, swelling, itching, and discharge. However, viral conjunctivitis usually causes a thin, watery discharge, while bacterial conjunctivitis causes a thicker discharge.

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How does a doctor test for pink eye?

Slit Lamp Exam

Most of the time, your doctor can diagnose conjunctivitis by using a slit lamp—an instrument that consists of a microscope and a high-energy beam of light. During a slit-lamp exam, your ophthalmologist shines a thin beam of light into your eye.

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Can I go to work with untreated pink eye?

Viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious. Anyone with pink eye due to infection should stay away from work or school until symptoms clear. The time it takes for pink eye to clear up will depend on the type. It often resolves in 7–10 days , but some people may need treatment.

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Is the first day of pink eye the worst?

Viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) symptoms often get worse on the second or third day before they start to get better. Viral conjunctivitis is also more likely to spread to both eyes than bacterial conjunctivitis, though the bacterial form can also sometimes spread.

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Does pink eye make you tired?

The most common eye symptoms of viral conjunctivitis are pink, tired, watery, itchy, or sticky eyes along with head, eye, or body aches, and light sensitivity.

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What is stage 4 pink eye?

Stage four is the most extreme pink eye stage and in this stage, many vet professionals recommend removing the infected eye due to risk factors for the affected animal and the cattle herd. This is because the ulcer will likely extend completely through the cornea, resulting in the iris protruding through the ulcer.

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What not to do with pink eye?

Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. This can worsen the condition or spread it to your other eye. Avoid sharing personal items, such as makeup, eye drops, towels, bedding, contact lenses and containers, and eyeglasses. Do not use the same eye products for your infected and non-infected eyes.

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Does pink eye get worse each day?

There is no cure for viral conjunctivitis. Recovery can begin within days, although the symptoms frequently get worse for the first three to five days, with gradual improvement over the following one to two weeks for a total course of two to three weeks.

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