Ways you can get pink eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is inflammation of the surface covering the white of the eye. Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis may pass when infected discharge reaches another person’s eye through hands, towels, cosmetics, or shared surfaces. Touching the eyes after contact with a respiratory illness can also transfer infection.

Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by substances such as pollen, dust, or animal dander and does not spread between people. Smoke, chlorine, dust, and some cosmetics can irritate the eye without causing an infection. Redness alone cannot identify the cause.

Wash hands often, especially before and after cleaning the eye. Use separate towels and pillowcases, do not share eye makeup or drops, and wash reusable cloths in hot water. Avoid rubbing your eyes, discard eye cosmetics used during an episode, and clean frequently touched surfaces.

Stop contact lenses while the eye is red, painful, or producing discharge, and follow professional advice before restarting. A GP consultation can help distinguish infection from allergy or irritation. Antibiotic treatment is relevant only when a bacterial cause is suspected; it will not prevent every form of pink eye.

Seek prompt assessment for eye pain, reduced vision, strong light sensitivity, injury, chemical exposure, or symptoms while wearing contact lenses. Get urgent help if swelling is severe, the eye is rapidly worsening, or you cannot open it. A newborn or young baby with redness or discharge should be seen by a clinician.

Ask whether your symptoms fit infectious, allergic, or irritant conjunctivitis; how long to avoid contact lenses; whether household contacts need precautions; and whether drops are appropriate. Share details about discharge, itching, light sensitivity, pain, vision changes, recent illness, and chemical exposure.