Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 3 minutes
Pink eye is common, especially in children, and it can spread quickly in close-contact settings. However, not every case is contagious. The underlying cause determines whether it can pass from one person to another.
We provide eye care for children and adults at our locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden and Thornton. We accept Medicaid!
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Dental and Vision Care in One Convenient Location
At our Denver and Aurora locations, Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics and Youth Vision are conveniently located in the same building. This means your child can receive both dental and vision care at one familiar location, without extra travel or scheduling stress.
What Type of Pink Eye Is Contagious?
Not all types of pink eye are contagious. Whether it spreads depends on the underlying cause.
The following types are contagious:
- Viral conjunctivitis: The most common form. It often occurs with a cold or respiratory infection and spreads easily through close contact.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: Caused by bacterial infection and spreads through infected eye discharge or contaminated surfaces.
The following types are not contagious:
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Triggered by pollen, dust, pet dander, or other allergens.
- Irritant conjunctivitis: Caused by exposure to smoke, chlorine, chemicals, or foreign substances.
Because symptoms can overlap, an eye exam helps determine the exact cause.
Important: Replace Products That Touched the Infected Eye
Any product that comes into contact with an infected eye can carry bacteria or viruses. Disposable contact lenses worn during infection should be thrown away, and contact lens cases should be replaced. Eye makeup such as mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow used while symptoms were present should also be discarded. Using contaminated products can reintroduce infection even after symptoms improve.
How Does Pink Eye Spread?
Pink eye spreads through direct contact with infected eye discharge. This usually happens when someone touches their eyes and then touches shared objects or other people.
Common ways it spreads include:
- Touching the eyes and then touching shared surfaces
- Sharing towels, pillows, washcloths, or cosmetics
- Direct contact with infected eye discharge
- Close contact in classrooms, daycare centers, or households
Children are more likely to spread infection because they frequently touch their faces and share objects throughout the day.
When Is Pink Eye No Longer Contagious?
The contagious period depends on the type of conjunctivitis.
- Viral pink eye remains contagious while symptoms such as tearing and discharge are present, often for several days.
- Bacterial pink eye usually becomes much less contagious 24 hours after starting antibiotic drops.
- Allergic and irritant pink eye are never contagious.
Because symptoms can look similar, an eye exam can confirm the cause and help determine when it is safe to return to school or work.
Does Pink Eye Go Away On Its Own?
Viral pink eye is contagious but does not respond to antibiotics. It typically clears within one to two weeks with supportive care such as cool compresses and artificial tears.
Bacterial pink eye may improve on its own in mild cases, but antibiotic drops are often prescribed to help it resolve faster and limit transmission. Treatment is especially common in children so they can return to school sooner.
Prompt evaluation is important if there is significant swelling, eye pain, sensitivity to light, vision changes, or if the patient wears contact lenses. These situations require professional assessment to prevent complications.
Schedule an Eye Exam
If redness, discharge, or irritation develops and you are unsure of the cause, an eye exam can confirm whether the infection is viral, bacterial, or allergy-related. This helps determine whether treatment is needed and when it is safe to return to school or work.
Schedule an appointment at the location most convenient for you:
Phone: (303) 825-2295
Phone: (303) 343-3133
Phone: (303) 953-8801
Phone: (720) 866-9906
FAQs
Can my child go to school with pink eye?
This depends on the cause and school policy. Many schools require children with bacterial pink eye to start treatment before returning. Viral cases may require staying home until redness and discharge improve.
How can I prevent pink eye from spreading at home?
Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after touching the eyes. Do not share towels, pillows, washcloths, cosmetics, or eye drops. Clean commonly touched surfaces daily, and remind children to avoid rubbing their eyes.
