Preventing, Recognising & When to See a Doctor for Pink Eye
Pink eye prevention, When to see Doctor
Top Prevention Measures
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Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after touching your eyes or using eye drops.
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Avoid sharing towels, pillows, make-up, eye cosmetics, or eye drops with others.
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If you have pink eye, avoid touching your eyes and then touching communal surfaces.
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Disinfect surfaces you touch frequently (doorknobs, light switches) when someone in the household has conjunctivitis.
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If you wear contact lenses: discard daily disposables, properly disinfect reusable lenses and avoid use until eye fully recovers.
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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:
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Moderate to severe eye pain, especially with light sensitivity or blurred vision.
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Thick green or yellow discharge that doesn’t improve within a few days.
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Vision changes, cloudiness, or inability to move your eye.
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One eye becomes red and the other suddenly becomes involved.
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You wear contact lenses and develop red eye + discharge.
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You have an underlying condition (e.g., immune-compromised, diabetes) that increases risk of ocular complications.
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Symptoms persist beyond 2-3 weeks or re-occur repeatedly.
The Role of Hygiene & Practical Tips
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Use separate towels for each household member until conjunctivitis resolves.
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Replace pillowcases daily for the first few nights of infection.
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Avoid applying eye make-up until symptoms have fully cleared; discard any cosmetics that were used during infection.
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Children with pink eye should avoid school or daycare until eye-care advice is given (depending on cause and local policy).
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Use eyewash/sterile saline and artificial tears to keep eyes comfortable; avoid rubbing.
Realistic Expectations & Why Over-Treatment Matters
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Viral conjunctivitis is self-resolving; antibiotic drops in viral cases provide little benefit and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
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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.
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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.
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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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