Did you know that there is more than one cause for pink eye? Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can come from a variety of different factors, but each case can be frustrating to deal with until it is resolved.

Pink eye is the result of an irritation to the sensitive membranes around the whites of your eyes. When they are irritated by some sort of external hazard, the blood vessels become inflamed and turn red.

That’s where that pinkish color (and its namesake) comes from. Read on to get other facts about pink eye from our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team.

Do I Have Viral Pink Eye?

Viral pink eye is caused by some type of virus, like an adenovirus. This type of virus is the same illness that causes the common cold, so pink eye can often accompany colds.

Viral pink eye is contagious while you are symptomatic, so it is important to stay home and avoid contact with people until your case clears up. If you have a viral case, any discharge from your eyes is usually more watery and your eyes aren’t as bright red as a bacterial case. It may take up to a week for viral cases to fully resolve on their own.

Bacterial and Viral Pink Eye Symptoms

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Eye itchiness
• A gritty feeling in your eye
• Waking up with a crusty film over your eye

Do I Have Bacterial Pink Eye?

If you have a bacterial case of pink eye, you were exposed to some type of bacteria, like streptococcus pneumonia. Bacterial cases also tend to resolve within a week, but these cases can be treated with a round of antibiotics! Keep in mind that antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, NOT viral infections.

Bacterial infections typically cause yellow or green discharge from your eye, and you have a higher chance of having the infection in both eyes at the same time. They also might have a brighter reddish hue to them. Stay home and rest, and if you have an antibiotic prescription, use your medication as directed.

Stop the Spread of Pink Eye

• Wash your hands often.
• Don’t touch your eyes.
• Avoid sharing towels or washcloths.
• Get new eye makeup and mascara after pink eye.

If you are concerned that your recent eye irritation may be related to pink eye, we can help! Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.