Signs and Symptoms
- Eyes may feel itchy, sore, burning, scratchy, or gritty.
- Increased tear production.
- The whites of the eyes are pink or red.
- Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning.
- They eyelid may also be slightly swollen.
How it Spreads
- Conjunctivitis caused by viruses and bacteria can spread easily from person-to-person.
- Hands become contaminated when they touch infected eyes.
- By touching surfaces contaminated by eye, oral, or nasal discharge and then touching one's eyes.
- It is spread when tears or discharge from an infected person's eyes are touched and then:
- Germs are transferred by the fingers to the eyes of another person, or
- Germs are transferred to objects (e.g., face cloths or pillowcases) that touch another person's eyes
- It is not contagious if it is caused by irritants or allergies.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Caused by a bacterial infection of the eye.
- Causes red or pink, itchy, and painful eye(s).
- Green or yellow pus (discharge) may cause eyes to be crusted shut in the morning.
- Very contagious.
- More common in kids than adults. Sometimes occurs with an ear infection.
- Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to treat the infection.
Viral Conjunctivitis
- Caused by a viral infection of the eye; viruses that also cause colds and sore throats.
- Causes pink, swollen, watering eye(s), and sensitivity to light.
- Very contagious.
- Begins in one eye and may progress to the other eye.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Caused by allergens such as pollen from trees, plants, grasses and weeds; dust mites, mold, animal dander, medicines, or cosmetics.
- Causes itching, redness, and excessive tearing, usually in both eyes. May also occur with symptoms of allergies (e.g., itchy nose, sneezing, scratchy throat, or asthma).
- Not contagious from person to person.
Conjunctivitis Caused by Irritants
- Caused by a foreign body in the eye or contact with smoke, dust, fumes, or chemicals.
- Can occur when contact lenses are worn longer than recommended or not properly cleaned.
- Not contagious from person to person.
- Can produce watery eyes and mucus discharge.
Prevention
- Wash discharge from around the eyes several times a day, from the inside out and in one direction only. Use a clean part of the cloth each time.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially before and after touching or wiping the infected eyes(s), nose, and mouth. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Do not share things such as towels, facecloths, pillowcases, eye drops, eye or face makeup/brushes, contact lenses/storage cases, and eyeglasses.
- Do not use the same eye drop bottle for your infected and non-infected eyes.
- Do not use swimming pools.
- Clean and disinfect objects that are commonly touched by hands or faces, such as tables, doorknobs, telephones, cots, cuddle blankets, and toys.
- Clean, store, and replace contact lenses as instructed by an eye doctor.
- To avoid re-infection, throw away and replace any eye or face makeup/brushes you used while infected and clean eyeglasses that were used while infected.
- Avoid touching or rubbing eyes.