Pink eye spreads fast and hits hard. Here's how to protect your family and know when it's time to see our eye doctors at St. Clair Eye in Michigan .
Whether you’re wiping sticky eyelids before daycare drop-off or wondering if your teen’s eye allergies have turned into something contagious, pink eye isn’t something to guess about. At St. Clair Eye, we help families, working adults, and seniors in St. Clair and Richmond navigate this common eye condition with clarity and personalized care when needed.
What Is Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue that lines the white part of your eyes and the inside of your eyelids. It can show up suddenly and make your eyes look red, itchy, or full of discharge. There are three types of pink eye:
- Viral: The most common and contagious. Often starts in one eye and spreads to the other.
- Bacterial: Caused by bacteria, it usually comes with thick, yellow-green discharge.
- Allergic: Triggered by allergens like pollen or pet dander, not contagious, but uncomfortable.
Knowing the difference is key, especially in communities like St. Clair, where seasonal allergies and indoor heating systems can mimic pink eye symptoms.
The Symptoms of Pink Eye
Each case looks a little different, but common signs include:
- Redness in the whites of the eyes
- Itchy or burning eyes
- Watery or thick discharge
- Swollen eyelids
- Eye pain or sensitivity to light
- A gritty feeling, like there’s something in your eye
If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them immediately if you suspect pink eye. Wearing contacts with an infected eye increases the risk of complications and could spread the infection further.
How to Prevent Pink Eye from Spreading: 6 Everyday Habits
Prevention starts with the basics. Whether you’re caring for children, visiting a loved one in assisted living, or working with the public, these simple habits can go a long way.
1. Wash Your Hands Frequently
Most pink eye infections spread through hand-to-eye contact after touching contaminated surfaces. Washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can remove the viruses and bacteria that cause infection.
2. Avoid Touching Your Eyes
Even a quick rub or itch can transfer harmful germs directly into the eye. Make a conscious effort to keep your hands away from your face, especially during cold and flu season or when you have allergies.
3. Don’t Share Personal Items
Don’t share towels, pillowcases, washcloths, eye drops, or eye makeup, as these can carry infection from one person to another. This is especially important in shared environments, such as schools, gyms, or households with children.
4. Clean Your Glasses and Contacts Carefully
Improper lens hygiene can reintroduce bacteria or viruses to the eye, causing reinfection. Always follow your optometrist’s instructions for cleaning your contact lenses and replace the solution daily, never top it off.
5. Disinfect Surfaces Regularly
Pink eye-causing germs can live on hard surfaces for hours. Wipe down high-touch areas, such as doorknobs, counters, remote controls, and electronics, especially if someone in the household is showing symptoms.
6. Stay Home When Symptoms Begin
If you or your child has red, itchy, or watery eyes, it's best to avoid contact with others. Early action reduces the risk of spreading pink eye to coworkers, classmates, and family members.
Eye Care That Keeps Michigan Families Safe
At St. Clair Eye, our team brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to our community. We treat everything from urgent care for pink eye to more complex ocular conditions, often with same-day appointments.
If you’re unsure whether you have pink eye or need help preventing it, book your appointment. We’ll ensure your eyes stay healthy and that pink eye doesn’t continue to spread.
Preventing Pink Eye FAQs
How Does Pink Eye Spread?
For viral and bacterial cases, pink eye is highly contagious. It spreads from person to person through:
- Touching your eyes with unwashed hands
- Sharing personal items like towels, makeup, or contact lens cases
- Contact with surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards
- Sneezing or coughing, pink eye can spread through the air, especially in close quarters
Parents in Richmond know how quickly this can pass through a classroom, and working professionals often catch it from shared office spaces.
Can Pink Eye Keep Coming Back?
Yes, and it often does, especially when the original cause isn’t fully treated. If pink eye keeps coming back, it’s worth visiting your eye doctor. At St. Clair Eye, we can determine if there’s an underlying cause, like blocked tear ducts, allergic reactions, or unclean lenses, and help you break the cycle.
How Long Does Pink Eye Take to Show Up?
Most cases develop within 24 to 72 hours after exposure. You may experience mild irritation initially, followed by redness, discharge, and sensitivity to light. If you suspect an exposure, especially if a family member or coworker has symptoms, keep an eye out and avoid touching your eyes.