Why am I getting pink eye as an adult?

Keep an eye out for pink eye. It’s highly contagious and not just for kids.

Pink eye is especially prevalent in kids or children and the most common reason for absences in school-age children. But, pink eye is so highly contagious that anyone can get it, including adults. Approximately 6 million people of all ages seek medical care for pink eye each year.

So, what is pink eye? Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an infection in the thin, transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that protects your eyes and eyelids. The infection can last from 10-14 days, making kids and adults equally miserable.

Read on to learn the symptoms of pink eye, why it’s so contagious, prevention tips, and when to seek medical care at vybe.

How do pink eye symptoms differ from allergies?

When your eyes are irritated, it’s easy to automatically assume you have allergies, especially during certain times of the year. Both pink eye and allergies typically cause a visible pink or red color, itchiness, and discomfort.

However, pink eye and allergies also have distinctive symptoms that can help you tell them apart – and it’s important to know which is which, since both conditions are treated differently.

Pink eye symptoms:

•  May only impact one eye (allergies typically cause symptoms in both eyes)
• Possible thick discharge or crusting of the eyelids
• Feels like “sand” or something gritty is stuck in your eye

Allergy symptoms:

• More of a thin, watery discharge than pink eye
•  May cause puffy eyelids
• More intense itchiness

When in doubt, head to your nearest vybe for a professional diagnosis of pink eye vs. allergies, so you can begin the right treatment promptly.

Why is pink eye so contagious?

Pink eye is highly contagious and can be caused by viruses, bacteria and allergens. It can be easily spread through:

• Direct touch or contact with an infected person
•  Air particles from sneezing or coughing
• Contact with bodily fluids, such as tears or eye discharge
•  Poor contact lens hygiene
•  Sharing cosmetics, pillowcases, towels, or other items with an infected person
•  Frequently touching or rubbing your eyes

One of the many viruses that can infect the conjunctiva is the same virus that causes the common cold – and we all know how frequently colds get around.

Since young kids often don’t always have the best hygiene habits, it’s up to adults to help limit the spread of germs. Kids are often exposed to shared items in schools and daycares ,increasing the spread of germs. When kids bring these germs home, adults can help provide precautions to stop the spread.

How can you prevent the spread of pink eye?

All hope is not lost. There are many things you can do to prevent the spread of pink eye, including:

• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water (use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if you’re unable to wash your hands).
• Avoid touching your eyes and face!
•  Regularly sanitize common surfaces, such as kitchen and bathroom countertops, faucets, and doorknobs.
•  Never share personal items that touch your eyes, such as glasses, bedding, towels, and makeup.

How do you treat pink eye?

While most cases of pink eye eventually go away on their own, vybe can prescribe a variety of prescription drops and ointments to manage discomfort and speed up the healing process. We treat pink eye patients of all ages.

The most common treatment for bacterial pink eye is antibiotic eye drops. The drops work best when they are used as follows:

•  Place the drops in the inner corner of your eye to allow the medicine to flow properly when the eye is open
•  Continue to use the drops even after your symptoms are gone to prevent reinfection
• Wash your hands before and after applying the drops to prevent spread (parents, the same rule applies when giving drops to your child)

If you or your child do not handle eye drops well, ask your vybe provider about antibiotic ointments.

Viral pink eye, which makes up for the majority of cases, is caused by a virus and not a bacteria, antibiotics are not a treatment option. But, the good news is that viral pink eye usually lasts a week or less. It is advised to avoid wearing contact lenses during this time. vybe can also recommend over-the-counter treatments to help reduce your symptoms, such as warm compresses and pain relievers. If you are still experiencing symptoms, your symptoms worsen, or you begin to have impaired vision, visit your nearest vybe right away.

Pink eye relief is in sight at vybe

Yes, pink eye is very contagious – but it’s also manageable. Be sure to use this helpful information to know what to look out for, how it spreads and when to seek medical care for pink eye.

Have symptoms of pink eye? vybe is open seven days a week with extended weeknight hours, and we accept both walk-ins and appointments for your convenience. Find a vybe urgent care in your neighborhood today!

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