Is It Pink Eye? When to See an Eye Doctor

Red, itchy eyes? It might be pink eye—but not always. A mistaken self-diagnosis or untreated infection can sometimes lead to complications. Seeing an eye doctor ensures you get the right treatment and avoid potential risks.

The good news? With the right care, bacterial pink eye can clear up in just a day, and viral cases typically improve within a few days. At ReFocus Eye Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, our experienced team provides advanced, personalized care for eye emergencies. Using state-of-the-art technology, we ensure that urgent eye conditions are treated quickly and effectively while keeping your comfort a top priority.

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Understanding Pink Eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, happens when the clear tissue over your eye becomes irritated or infected. Viruses are the most common cause, but bacteria, allergies, and irritants like smoke or chlorine can also trigger it. Though often harmless, pink eye spreads easily and can be uncomfortable—so knowing the cause helps ensure the right treatment and a quick recovery.

Breaking Down Pink Eye: Viral, Bacterial, and Beyond

Viral Conjunctivitis

Cause: Most often caused by adenovirus but can also be due to other viruses like enterovirus, herpes simplex or varicella-zoster.
Symptoms: Red, watery eyes, itching, light sensitivity, often occurring with cold or sore throat symptoms.
Contagious: Yes, it spreads easily through contact with infected eye fluids. A person with viral conjunctivitis remains contagious for around 10-12 days after symptoms first appear.
Treatment: There’s no specific treatment, but the infection usually clears up within a week on its own. In some cases antiviral medication may be prescribed.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Cause: Often due to improper contact lens use or poor hygiene, and can occur alongside colds. Bacterial conjunctivitis accounts for over 50% of cases in children, and is especially common in kids under 4, but is less common in adults.
Symptoms: Thick, yellow or green discharge, redness, and discomfort in one or both eyes.
Contagious: Yes, it spreads through direct contact with infected eye secretions. Without treatment it typically lasts for 7-10 days, with antibiotics it typically clears up after 24-48 hours.
Treatment: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are typically prescribed, and symptoms usually improve within a few days.

Chemical, Allergic, or Injury-Related Pink Eye—What You Need to Know

Cause

Irritant and traumatic conjunctivitis can result from dry eye, chemical splashes (such as acid or alkali), foreign bodies in the eye, eye irrigation, abrasions, or blunt trauma. Minor irritants, like swimming pool chlorine or fumes, typically cause mild symptoms, while chemical splashes or traumatic conjunctivitis tend to be more serious and require prompt attention. Redness and discharge may persist for 12 to 24 hours after a foreign body is expelled.

Symptoms

Discharge that is more mucus than tears in addition to typical pink eye symptoms in mild cases. More serious cases can include large amounts of swelling, severe pain, and decreased vision.

Contagious

Treatment

For mild cases flushing the eye with saline or running water to remove the irritant will tend to clear up the symptoms after 24 hours.

Red, Sticky, and Swollen? How to Tell If It’s Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Thick, yellow or green discharge

One of the hallmark signs of bacterial conjunctivitis is a sticky, thick discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep.

Swollen eyelids

The eyelids may become puffy or swollen due to the infection.

Foreign body sensation

Similar to viral conjunctivitis, some people may feel like there’s something stuck in their eye.

Blurred vision

The thick discharge can blur vision temporarily.

Mild sensitivity to light (photophobia)

While not as common as in viral cases, some people may experience light sensitivity.

Sinus infections

an lead to bacterial conjunctivitis due to the spread of bacteria from the nasal cavity to the eyes.

Ear infections

especially in children, are also linked to bacterial conjunctivitis, as the bacteria from the ear can migrate through connected passages.

How to Spot Viral Pink Eye: Symptoms and What to Expect

Feeling like something is in your eye

It may feel like there’s something stuck in your eye, even when there isn’t.

Mild Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Bright lights might make your eyes feel uncomfortable or irritated.

Blurry vision

Your vision may temporarily become blurry due to excess tearing or discharge.

Cold symptoms

Viral pink eye is often caused by the same virus that causes the common cold (adenovirus). You may also notice swollen lymph nodes near your ear or jaw, along with cold symptoms like a sore throat or runny nose.

Eye Irritation or Injury? Common Signs of Non-Infectious Conjunctivitis

Watery Discharge

The discharge from the eye is more watery or mucous-like, rather than thick and pus-like.

Lower Eye Inflammation

The lower part of the eye is more affected than the upper part, especially if it's due to a chemical splash.

Home Care Tips

While waiting for your appointment you should:

Stop wearing contact lenses until the infection clears.
Avoid using eye makeup, and toss any makeup used while you were infected.
Use clean towels and washcloths, and avoid sharing them with others.
Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes.
Apply a cool compress to relieve irritation.

Say Goodbye to Eye Discomfort – Emergency Care in Philadelphia

Red, irritated, or watery eyes? Whether it's pink eye, an infection, or another eye concern, waiting it out can be uncomfortable—and risky. At ReFocus Eye Health in Philadelphia, our team of highly skilled specialists is dedicated to providing fast, expert treatment so you can get back to seeing and feeling your best.

We proudly serve patients from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and surrounding communities, and our 1,600 glowing reviews on Google reflect our commitment to outstanding care. With same-day and next-day appointments available, along with state-of-the-art diagnostics, you don’t have to wait for relief. Schedule your visit today and experience why our patients trust us with their vision.

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