How Contagious is Pink Eye?

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Is Pink Eye Contagious?

The short and definitive answer to this question is 'Yes!' Pink eye, or conjunctivitis to give it its medical name, is highly contagious and can spread from one eye to the other, and all around the family if common sense precautions are not taken.

Approximately 50% of pink eye is caused by bacteria. The eye does not have a defense mechanism for destroying harmful bacteria. A natural chemical which is present in the conjunctiva should neutralize bacteria, but sometimes colonies overwhelm the natural defense of the eye and a pink eye infection is the result. Whilever the eye is producing tearing and discharge, bacteria are in these fluids and can easily be transmitted to others. Infection through casual contact is likely, and an infection can spread through a family, a classroom of students or a group of office colleagues very quickly.

Viral pink eye accounts for just 20% of cases, with allergic conjunctivitis accounting for the rest. Once again, the virus is present in tears and discharges from the eye which can be passed on to others all too easily. Direct contact with the infected eye should be avoided and any bandages, tissues and cotton pads used for bathing the eye should be carefully wrapped and disposed of properly.

To prevent the spread of pink eye, the sufferer should wash their hands frequently, and should try not to touch or rub the affected eye at all. Washcloths and towels should not be shared with other family members and should be given a hot wash to kill the bacteria or virus. Communal objects such as telephones, door knobs, faucets and toys should be disinfected with antibacterial wipes and disinfectant sprays to neutralize the bacterial or viral infection.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are both highly contagious, but pink eye caused by hay fever or an allergic reaction is not contagious. In this case, pink eye is a symptom of the allergy and will disappear when the allergen is removed or when antihistamine treatment reduces the allergic response of the body to the allergen. Sometimes it is hard to diagnose which type of pink eye someone is suffering with. It is wise to err on the side of caution and take all necessary precautions as summarized below to avoid spreading the infection.

How long is pink eye contagious?
Pink eye is contagious whilever there is tearing, a discharge or matting of the eyelids, especially during sleep. The discharge indicates that bacteria or virus are still present. Once the discharge symptoms have stopped, the sufferer is no longer contagious and may return to school or work again as appropriate. Pink eye usually remains contagious from 3 to 7 days.

If a doctor has prescribed antibiotic drops or ointment, the sufferer should wait at least 24 hours after beginning the treatment before returning to school or work.

What about wearing contact lenses? Unfortunately pink eye is so contagious that sufferers will have to throw away their contact lenses and the carrying case. This is the only way to be sure of avoiding re-infection. The usual disinfectant cleaning solution and hydrogen peroxide do not kill the bacteria or virus which has caused the infection. One further point is that you should be certain that the pink eye infection is completely clear before wearing your new contact lenses.