How long before pink eye drops work

Home Conditions Eye Conditions, A-Z

Reviewed by Burt Dubow, OD

If you have pink eye caused by a virus or bacteria, your conjunctivitis can be contagious for several days to several weeks once symptoms (red, itchy, watery eyes; possibly with eye discharge) appear.

Schools and day care centers often require a child diagnosed with pink eye to stay home until the condition is resolved. This is a good idea, because infectious conjunctivitis (pink eye) can be highly contagious in environments where children are in close contact with each other.

But determining how long pink eye is contagious and how long you or your child should stay home can be a little tricky. Generally speaking, it should be safe for you to return to work or for your child to return to school or to a day care center if the obvious symptoms of pink eye no longer are present — usually in three to seven days.

This means that eyes should be clear of yellowish discharge and matter on the eyelashes as well as the corners of the eyes. Also, the pink color in the white of the eye should be cleared up.

Contagious pink eye treatments

Topical antibiotic ointments or eye drops are effective treatments for conjunctivitis only if the pink eye is caused by bacteria. In this case, you need up to 24 hours for the eye drops or ointment to start working and for the pink eye to no longer be contagious.

If conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, the infection simply must run its course. Though there is no treatment for viral pink eye, you can relieve symptoms with lubricating eye drops to soothe irritation.

If pink eye is caused by eye allergies, then the condition is not contagious. But you should find and consult with an eye doctor near you to make sure you know which type of pink eye you or your child has.

If eyes are pink from an allergic reaction, eye drops containing antihistamines may be able to relieve symptoms. Cold compresses also can help.

Exposure to contagious pink eye

It's difficult to determine exactly how long pink eye is contagious if you don't know its cause.

For example, the rubeola virus causing measles and accompanying pink eye symptoms is extremely contagious, often for as long as two weeks or more.

You also can be at risk of getting contagious pink eye from exposure to certain adenoviruses found in water sources such as untreated swimming pool water. This is a good reason to wear swim goggles or a swim mask with a seal that prevents your eyes from being exposed to the water.

You or your child also can be infected with exposure to bacteria and viruses found in the environment, such as contaminated towels or countertops.

The risk of environmental exposure can last for weeks unless contaminated items are cleaned and disinfected. This is why it's a good idea to discard items such as mascara brushes and other eye makeup if you've had infectious conjunctivitis, even if your eyes have cleared up.

If you are being treated but don't notice any improvement in your pink eye symptoms after about 10 days, be sure to notify your eye doctor.

There are three types of pink eye — viral, bacterial, and allergic. Depending on which one you’ve contracted, it can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. And yes, pink eye can happen to anyone, adults and kids alike.

Pink eye fast facts

How long does pink eye last?

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viral pink eye usually clears up in 7 to 14 days without treatment. But it may linger for 2 or 3 weeks. An antiviral prescription can speed up recovery.
• Bacterial pink eye may improve within 2 to 5 days without treatment. But it could last up to 2 weeks. With an antibiotic, you can see improvement within 24 hours.
• Allergic conjunctivitis usually clears up once you remove the triggering source, like pet dander, or tree pollen. Allergy eye drops and antihistamines can help improve symptoms.

What is pink eye?

Pink eye is an infection or inflammation of your conjunctiva, a clear membrane around your eyeball. Inflamed blood vessels in your conjunctiva give your eyes that rosy pink look.

What are the symptoms of pink eye?

• dry, itchy, gritty feeling eyes
• blurred vision
• eyes seemingly “glued shut” after sleeping
• swelling and pus

FYI: Pink eye caused by viruses or bacteria is contagious as long as you have symptoms.

Types of pink eye: Viral vs. bacterial vs. allergic

Not all “pink eye” is created equal. Here’s a breakdown:

Viral conjunctivitis

• caused by a virus
• typically mild, but severity depends on the virus
• commonly caused by the adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus
• highly contagious
• transmitted through contact with fluids of your eye from a person who contracted the infection
• often accompanied by respiratory or cold symptoms

Bacterial conjunctivitis

• caused by bacteria
• severity depends on the type of bacteria
• commonly caused by Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus,Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae
• highly contagious
• transmitted through contact with fluids of your eye from a person who contracted the infection
• more common among children
• more common during cold and flu season
• can be accompanied by respiratory or cold symptoms

Allergic conjunctivitis

• inflammation triggered by allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites
• symptoms typically subside when removed from the triggering allergen
• not contagious
• may occur seasonally or year round

Pink eye prevention

Pink eye is highly contagious but can be prevented through good hygiene and sanitation.

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Do not share makeup with other people.
• If you’ve contracted an eye infection, throw out any makeup you used during the infection.
• Properly clean and care for contact lenses.

Treatment: How to get rid of pink eye fast

Both viral and bacterial pink eye usually clear up on their own. If staying home until you’re no longer contagious isn’t an option, you may want to seek treatment.

Here are some options to consider.

Prescription antiviral medications

Viral pink eye caused by the herpes simplex or varicella-zoster viruses may respond to prescription antiviral medications. While these meds aren’t a cure, they can shorten the duration of the infection.

Prescription antibiotics

Antibiotic eye drops and ointments can reduce symptoms and contagiousness within 24 hours. These meds can sometimes sting and may require several applications per day. They can also leave your eyes goopy and glossy, but that’s better than crusty and itchy.

Over-the-counter (OTC) and home remedies

Even though pink eye can clear up on its own, it’s uncomfortable AF. Relief is as close as the pharmacy and your own kitchen. You can relieve symptoms with OTC products and home remedies, such as:

• a cold or warm compress to reduce swelling
• saline drops to moisten your eyes
• wiping your eyes with a clean cloth
• antihistamine drops for allergies

If you wake up with your eyes clamped shut, don’t panic. Discharge can dry and harden overnight, sealing eyes shut.

Either hop in the shower or place a warm, wet washcloth on your eyes to moisten and soften the crusties. Within a few minutes, they should wipe away.

Avoid touching your eyes, unless you’re applying treatment. The contact with dirty fingers can make the symptoms worse and increase the transmission of infection to other people.

How do you know if you’re still contagious?

When these visible signs disappear, you are no longer contagious:

• tearing and watering
• swelling
• burning
• discharge
• crusties
• reddish or pinkish eyes

Be patient, symptoms take time to resolve.

When to call your doctor

How do you know if pink eye will clear up on its own or if you should call a doctor? This depends on the severity of the infection.

If you experience any of the following, give your doctor a call:

• eye pain
• blurred vision, even after wiping your eyes
• sensitivity to light
• worsening symptoms after 24 hours on antibiotics

Infants and anyone with a weakened immune system should seek professional treatment for pink eye.

Pink eye FAQs (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

So, it’s definitely pink eye and you have a few lingering questions. We’ve got you.

When can I go back to work or school?

You can return to work or school when you’re no longer contagious. However, that timeline depends on the type and severity of your infection, your course of treatment, and how quickly symptoms resolve.

With a bacterial infection, wait at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics or until you no longer show visible symptoms like discharge and bloodshot eyes.

For a viral infection, wait for 2 to 7 days or until visible symptoms go away.

Allergic conjunctivitis doesn’t require time away from work or school because it’s not contagious. Use antihistamine drops to help take away the redness and swelling.

Can I wear contact lenses when I have pink eye?

Dirty contact lenses can actually cause pink eye. When you have pink eye, contacts further irritate your eye.

Throw away any contacts you used as the pink eye developed. Stop wearing contacts until the infection clears completely.

Always clean and store your contact lenses properly, and never share them with another person.

Takeaway

Pink eye can happen to anyone at any time.

This annoying inconvenience is incredibly common. Practicing healthful hygiene and sanitation should keep the crustiness at bay.

Natural remedies or prescription treatment options will have your peepers back to health in no time.

Talk with your doctor and avoid contact with others until symptoms fully disappear. You should be back to health within a week.

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