Viral pinkeye
Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) is redness and swelling of the mucous membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and eye surface. The most common type (adenovirus) is caused by a virus and occurs most often in adults, occasionally causing a sore throat at the same time that pinkeye symptoms occur.
Sometimes children with virus-caused upper respiratory infections develop pinkeye as a separate, bacterial infection. Viral and bacterial pinkeye are contagious and spread very easily.
Pinkeye is very common. It usually is not serious and goes away in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment. But it may last up to 3 weeks and can become ongoing (chronic).
The symptoms usually start in one eye and may then spread to the other eye. Besides redness and swelling in the eye, symptoms of viral pinkeye include:
- Slight itching or burning.
- Swollen and tender areas in front of the ears.
- Increased tearing.
- Clear or slightly thick, whitish drainage.
Home treatment helps reduce pain, keeps the eye free of drainage, and helps prevent the spread of infection. Home treatment includes:
- Washing the hands frequently and thoroughly.
- Using warm compresses to help relieve swelling and redness.
- Changing and washing linens when they become soiled with drainage.
- Not wearing contacts.
- Not using eye makeup, and throwing away old eye makeup.
Teens: How can you care for pinkeye from a virus?
Make yourself comfortable
- Use moist cotton or a clean, wet cloth to remove the crust from your eyes. Wipe from the inside corner of your eye to the outside. Use a clean part of the cloth for each wipe.
- Close your eyes and put cold or warm wet cloths on them a few times a day if your eyes hurt or are itching.
- Do not wear contact lenses until your pinkeye is gone. Clean the contacts and storage case.
- If you wear disposable contacts, get out a new pair when your eyes have cleared and it is safe to wear contacts again.
Prevent pinkeye from spreading
- Wash your hands often. Always wash them before and after you treat pinkeye or touch your eyes or face.
- Don't share towels, pillows, or washcloths while you have pinkeye. Use clean linens, towels, and washcloths each day.
- Do not share your contact lens equipment, containers, or solutions.
Pinkeye from a virus in teens: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have pain in your eye, not just irritation on the surface.
- You have a change in vision or a loss of vision.
- Your pinkeye lasts longer than 7 days.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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