Preventing, Recognising & When to See a Doctor for Pink Eye
Pink eye prevention, When to see Doctor
Top Prevention Measures
Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after touching your eyes or using eye drops.
Avoid sharing towels, pillows, make-up, eye cosmetics, or eye drops with others.
If you have pink eye, avoid touching your eyes and then touching communal surfaces.
Disinfect surfaces you touch frequently (doorknobs, light switches) when someone in the household has conjunctivitis.
If you wear contact lenses: discard daily disposables, properly disinfect reusable lenses and avoid use until eye fully recovers.
Avoid swimming pools if you have conjunctivitis — chlorine may irritate and spread infection.
Recognising Red Flags — When to Seek Professional Attention
Even though many cases of pink eye are self-limiting, you should arrange to see a doctor or eye specialist if you experience:
Moderate to severe eye pain, especially with light sensitivity or blurred vision.
Thick green or yellow discharge that doesn’t improve within a few days.
Vision changes, cloudiness, or inability to move your eye.
One eye becomes red and the other suddenly becomes involved.
You wear contact lenses and develop red eye + discharge.
You have an underlying condition (e.g., immune-compromised, diabetes) that increases risk of ocular complications.
Symptoms persist beyond 2-3 weeks or re-occur repeatedly.
The Role of Hygiene & Practical Tips
Use separate towels for each household member until conjunctivitis resolves.
Replace pillowcases daily for the first few nights of infection.
Avoid applying eye make-up until symptoms have fully cleared; discard any cosmetics that were used during infection.
Children with pink eye should avoid school or daycare until eye-care advice is given (depending on cause and local policy).
Use eyewash/sterile saline and artificial tears to keep eyes comfortable; avoid rubbing.
Realistic Expectations & Why Over-Treatment Matters
Viral conjunctivitis is self-resolving; antibiotic drops in viral cases provide little benefit and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Many people expect “a quick fix”, but patience and symptomatic relief are often the most realistic approach. Ensuring you have correct diagnosis is more important than rushing for treatment.
Schools or workplaces that insist on a prescription before return may inadvertently promote unnecessary antibiotic use.
Summary
Preventing pink eye is largely a matter of hygiene, avoiding cross-infection and recognising when professional care is needed. By understanding the signs that warrant medical review, you can avoid unnecessary treatments, reduce contagion and get timely help when required.
References
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – CDC.
- Healthdirect – Conjunctivitis (Australia).
- A Review of the Differential Diagnosis of Acute Infectious Conjunctivitis. DovePress.
- Effect of Topical Antibiotics on Duration of Acute Infective Conjunctivitis. JAMA Network.
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