Fast, Expert Treatment for Pink Eye
Pink eye is uncomfortable, contagious, and best treated quickly. At Della Optique, Dr. Della Chow diagnoses and treats conjunctivitis promptly — easing your symptoms, protecting those around you, and getting you back to clear, comfortable vision.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is one of the most common eye conditions. It happens when the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids, becomes inflamed. This inflammation makes tiny blood vessels more visible, giving the eye its characteristic pink or red appearance.
Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants, and the right treatment depends on the underlying cause. While many cases are mild and resolve on their own, some require professional care. If your symptoms include pain, light sensitivity, vision changes, contact lens discomfort, or are not improving, book an eye exam at Dr. Della Optometry in Vancouver.
What Is Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva. When this tissue becomes inflamed, the small blood vessels within it become more prominent, creating the pink or red discolouration that gives the condition its name.
Pink eye can affect one or both eyes. It is important to understand that not every red eye is pink eye. Conditions such as dry eye, blepharitis, corneal abrasions, uveitis, and even acute glaucoma can cause redness. This is why proper diagnosis by an optometrist matters, especially when symptoms are severe or persistent.
Pink Eye Symptoms
The symptoms of pink eye can vary depending on the cause, but common signs include:
- Redness or pink colour in the white of the eye
- Watery or teary eyes
- Itching, burning, or a gritty feeling
- Swollen eyelids
- Mucus or pus-like discharge
- Crusting on the eyelashes, especially after sleep
- Light sensitivity
- Mild blurry vision from tearing or discharge
Severe pain, significant light sensitivity, reduced vision, or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye can point to a more serious condition and should be assessed promptly.
What Does Pink Eye Look Like?
The appearance of pink eye varies by type. Viral pink eye often looks watery and red. Bacterial pink eye may produce thicker yellow or green discharge and cause the eyelids to stick together after sleep. Allergic conjunctivitis tends to cause itchy, watery eyes and usually affects both eyes at the same time. Irritant conjunctivitis may appear red without being infectious.
What Causes Pink Eye?
Understanding what caused your pink eye is essential because treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral pink eye is often associated with cold or respiratory viruses. It typically starts in one eye and may spread to the other. The discharge is usually watery rather than thick. Viral conjunctivitis is often highly contagious, and antibiotics do not help because the cause is a virus, not bacteria.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial pink eye can cause thicker discharge and may leave eyelids stuck together after sleep. It can affect one or both eyes. Some cases need prescription antibiotic drops, especially when symptoms are moderate, persistent, or in higher-risk patients. Proper diagnosis is important because not every discharge is bacterial.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis often affects both eyes and is usually very itchy and watery. It may happen alongside seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, dust, mould, or pet dander. It is not contagious. Treatment may involve allergy drops, cold compresses, and avoiding triggers.
Irritant or Chemical Conjunctivitis
Smoke, chlorine, cosmetics, dust, or chemical exposure can cause irritant conjunctivitis. Immediate rinsing may be needed after chemical exposure, and medical attention is important if redness follows a chemical splash or injury.
Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Viral and bacterial pink eye can be contagious. Allergic and irritant conjunctivitis are not contagious.
Contagious pink eye spreads through hand-to-eye contact, shared towels, makeup, pillowcases, and contaminated surfaces. Children may spread it easily at school or daycare because of close contact. Handwashing and avoiding eye rubbing are among the most effective prevention measures. Patients should avoid sharing eye drops, contact lenses, eye makeup, or towels while symptomatic.
How Long Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Viral pink eye can remain contagious while the eye is red, watery, or actively draining. Bacterial pink eye may become less contagious after treatment begins, but timing depends on the case and clinician guidance. Allergic pink eye is not contagious at any point. If unsure, patients should ask their optometrist, physician, school, or workplace for return guidance.
How Long Does Pink Eye Last?
| Type | Typical Duration | Notes |
| Viral pink eye | About 1 to 2 weeks | Can last longer; supportive care is common |
| Bacterial pink eye | Often improves within several days with care | Some cases need prescription drops |
| Allergic conjunctivitis | As long as exposure continues | Improves when triggers are controlled |
| Irritant conjunctivitis | Varies | Depends on the irritant and severity |
Symptoms that worsen, persist beyond several days, or keep recurring should be assessed by an optometrist.
Pink Eye Treatment
Treatment for pink eye depends on the cause. Here is what to consider for each type.
At-Home Care for Mild Pink Eye Symptoms
- Use a clean, cool compress for comfort
- Wash hands often
- Avoid rubbing the eyes
- Use preservative-free artificial tears if appropriate
- Clean eyelid crusting gently with warm water
- Avoid eye makeup until symptoms resolve
- Replace or clean items that touch the eyes, such as makeup tools or pillowcases
Do not use leftover antibiotic or steroid eye drops unless prescribed for this specific episode.
Treatment for Viral Pink Eye
Viral pink eye is usually managed with supportive care. Antibiotics do not treat viruses. An optometrist can check for complications and rule out other causes of redness.
Treatment for Bacterial Pink Eye
Some bacterial cases may need antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Proper diagnosis helps avoid unnecessary medication. Contact lens wearers with bacterial pink eye symptoms may need more urgent assessment because of the risk of corneal complications.
Treatment for Allergic Pink Eye
Cold compresses, artificial tears, and allergy eye drops can help manage allergic conjunctivitis. Identifying and avoiding triggers is also important. If symptoms are frequent, severe, or not responding, an eye exam can help determine the next steps.
Treatment for Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lens wearers with pink eye symptoms should stop wearing lenses until evaluated or until symptoms fully resolve. Do not reuse the same lenses or case after an infection. Redness, pain, discharge, or light sensitivity in a contact lens wearer can signal a more serious corneal infection. Book an eye exam promptly.
When to See an Optometrist for Pink Eye
Book an eye exam if you have any of the following:
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
- Blurry or reduced vision
- Symptoms while wearing contact lenses
- Thick discharge or eyelids stuck shut
- Symptoms that worsen or do not improve
- Recurrent pink eye
- A newborn or young child with eye discharge
- Eye redness after injury or chemical exposure
- A weakened immune system
As your Kitsilano optometrist, Dr. Della Optometry can assess red, irritated, watery, or discharge-prone eyes and help determine whether the cause is viral, bacterial, allergic, contact lens-related, or something more serious
What Can Be Mistaken for Pink Eye?
Several eye conditions can look like conjunctivitis but require different treatment:
-
- Dry eye flare-ups
- Blepharitis
- Styes or eyelid inflammation
- Contact lens-related corneal irritation
- Corneal abrasion
- Keratitis
- Uveitis
- Foreign body in the eye
- Acute glaucoma, especially if pain, headache, nausea, or halos occur
Because some serious conditions can start with redness, do not assume every red eye is pink eye. An eye exam can identify the actual cause and guide appropriate care.
How to Prevent Pink Eye From Spreading
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes
- Do not share towels, washcloths, pillowcases, cosmetics, or eye drops
- Wash pillowcases and towels regularly during infection
- Discard eye makeup used during infection
- Clean glasses thoroughly
- Follow contact lens hygiene rules carefully
- Keep children home from school or daycare according to healthcare, school, or daycare guidance
Pink Eye in Children
Pink eye is common in children because close contact in schools and daycares makes spread easier. Children may complain of sticky eyelids, itching, watery eyes, or light sensitivity.
Parents should seek assessment for severe symptoms, eye pain, swollen eyelids, reduced vision, fever, recurrent symptoms, or discharge in infants. Avoid sending children to school or daycare if symptoms are actively contagious and local guidance says to stay home.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
What is the fastest way to get rid of pink eye?
It depends on the cause. Viral pink eye usually needs supportive care and time. Bacterial pink eye may need prescription drops. Allergic pink eye improves by managing triggers and using appropriate allergy treatment. An exam helps determine the right approach.
Is pink eye contagious?
Viral and bacterial pink eye can be contagious. Allergic and irritant conjunctivitis are not contagious.
How long does pink eye last?
Many viral cases last about one to two weeks. Bacterial cases may improve faster with appropriate care. Allergic conjunctivitis can continue as long as the allergen exposure continues.
Do I need antibiotics for pink eye?
Not always. Antibiotics do not help viral or allergic conjunctivitis. They may be needed for certain bacterial cases. Avoid using leftover drops without an exam.
Can I wear contact lenses with pink eye?
No. Stop wearing contact lenses while symptoms are active and seek prompt care if you have redness, pain, discharge, or light sensitivity.
What does pink eye feel like?
Pink eye can feel gritty, itchy, burning, watery, or sticky. Pain, significant light sensitivity, or reduced vision are warning signs that need assessment.
What is commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye?
Dry eye, blepharitis, styes, allergies, corneal abrasions, contact lens complications, keratitis, uveitis, and glaucoma can all cause red eye symptoms that may be mistaken for pink eye.
When should I see an optometrist for pink eye?
See an optometrist if symptoms are severe, painful, affect vision, involve contact lenses, do not improve, recur often, or occur after an injury or chemical exposure.
Book a Pink Eye Assessment in Vancouver
If your eye is red, irritated, watery, or producing discharge, an eye exam can help identify the cause and the right next step. Dr. Della Optometry is a Kitsilano optometrist providing personalized eye care for adults and children, including assessment of red eye symptoms, contact lens-related irritation, and recurring eye discomfort.