Suffering from red, swollen, and watery eyes, which can cause serious discomfort. You experience such pain due to pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. It is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. Pink eye can be mild, but it can sometimes cause a serious irritation that requires immediate medical attention.
By knowing the early signs of pink eye, it can be prevented from spreading. Since pink eye is caused by bacterial or viral infection, it can be highly contagious at times. Understanding its signs and impact can help decide when to take emergency care.
In this guide, we will help you understand a critical question: “How do I know if I have pink eye?” along with illustrating when to visit an emergency room in Mesquite to treat pink eye.
What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is caused when a thin transparent layer of tissue covers the white part inside your eyelids. Pink eye can affect one or both eyes and can be mild or serious.
It appears due to multiple reasons, including,
- Viral infection: appears due to viral infection, such as adenoviruses.
- Bacterial infection: happens due to bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Allergies: triggers due to different allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold.
- Irritants: appear due to irritants such as smoke, chlorine, and chemicals.
Pink eye caused by a viral or bacterial infection both are contagious. They can spread through direct eye contact and can also pass through sharing towels. It mostly spreads while doing household chores and visiting the workplace.
If you ever experience pink eye symptoms, then immediately visit us at the ER of Mesquite, an emergency care center near you.
How long is pink eye contagious?
If you’re wondering about “how long is pink eye contagious?” or “how long does pink eye last?”, then the right answer to it depends on the type of pink eye you have been diagnosed with. Pink eye can happen due to viral, bacterial, or even certain allergies or irritants.
Viral Pink Eye
It remains contagious for 3-7 days, but can be contagious for up to 2 weeks. Since it is caused by viruses such as adenoviruses, it can easily spread through coughing, sneezing, or even touching.
Bacterial Pink Eye
Normally, it remains contagious for as long as the symptoms are present, but ideally does not remain contagious for more than 24-48 hours.
Allergic and Irritant Pink Eye
It is not contagious at all and is triggered by dust, pollen, smoke, chlorine, and even chemicals.
Although pink eye can be treated on its own if it’s mild and not severe, if you’re experiencing intense pain, vision problems, and swelling around the eyes, then you should immediately visit us at the ER or Mesquite, by simply walking in or contacting us.
What is commonly misdiagnosed as Pink eye?
These signs of pink eye often relate to other health issues. Due to their resemblance, people confuse pink eye with other eye-related problems. With proper diagnosis from an eye doctor, you can understand the problem and adopt the required emergency services.
Below are a few common conditions that are misdiagnosed as pink eye:
- Stye (Hordeolum)
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Blepharitis
- Uveitis
Issues like a stye are mild and can be treated with rest, but conditions like uveitis or corneal injury require immediate care, as it can be alarming about a serious situation. If you’re looking for “urgent care for pink eye near me”, then immediately seek evaluation near you at the ER of Mesquite.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
Pink eye can affect one or both eyes. Its severity can vary depending on its cause. By understanding its early signs, you can work on the right treatment before it has a serious impact. Below are a few common signs of pink eye you need to watch out for.
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Red, swollen, and watery eyes
- Discharge from the eyes is yellow and green in colours
- Crusty eyelids
- Sensitivity towards light
In severe cases, it can give rise to other health issues such as high fever.
Pink Eye vs Stye Eye
When you’re experiencing red eye with swelling, then you might confuse conjunctivitis with a stye eye.
It is important to understand the difference between them. The table below specifies their differences.
| Aspect | Pink Eye (conjunctivitis) | Stye Eye (Hordeolum) |
| Cause | Bacterial, or viral infection | When oil gland in eyelids get infected |
| Appearance | Redness and watery eyes | Red and painful lump in eyelids |
| Duration | 1-2 weeks if it is viral | Takes 7-10 days with proper care |
| Treatment | Antibiotic drops and ointment, | Warm compress, good eye health |
How to treat pink eye?
The right treatment for pink eye can only be adopted if the right cause is detected. Some cases are mild and can clear up with basic health care, whereas in the most severe cases, they might require serious medical attention.
Below is a list of a few treatment options:
- Cool or warm compresses
- Antibiotic eye drops
- Ointments
- General health care
- Improving hygiene
If the pink eye is mild or in the early stage, it can be easily treated with proper care and home remedies. The right way of early treatment is through early diagnosis, through proper lab testing.
Final Words
Pink eye may seem like a minor irritation, but its symptoms can significantly impact your daily routine. Red, swollen, and watery eyes disrupt your daily work. If the pink eye is minor, then it can be treated on its own; however, it is important to understand “how do I know if I have pink eye,” as it will help you to initiate early treatment.
If the pink eye lasts long and causes severe pain, vision problems, and does not get better within a few days, then it is a sign that you need to visit an ER instantly.
If you’re searching for urgent care for pink eye near me, consider visiting the ER of Mesquite, located at Mesquite, United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is pink eye dangerous?
Mild pink eye can go away on its own, but if it lasts for a few days to weeks, then it can be an alarming situation.
Can pink eye go away on its own?
Yes, bacterial and viral pink eye can go away on their own if it is in the initial stage.
How do you feel during pink eye?
It irritates and makes your eyes look watery; moreover, it causes trouble and affects your daily routine.
What is commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye?
Pink is commonly misdiagnosed with stye eyes.
How long is pink eye contagious?
It depends upon its cause; if it is caused by a viral infection, then it can be treated within a few days.
