You’ve probably heard this before: someone’s child comes home with red, itchy eyes, and within 48 hours, half the household is affected. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, spreads easily and can be frustrating to deal with, especially for busy families juggling school, work, and community events.
Edmonton’s dense urban and suburban mix, coupled with dry winters and crowded indoor settings during flu season, makes it a hotspot for both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis. At Prairie Eye Care, we treat a wide range of eye conditions, including bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, and help families navigate symptoms, treatment, and when it’s safe to return to daycare or school.
What Is Pink Eye and How Long Does it Last?
Pink eye is the layman’s term for conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. There are three main types of pink eye, each with its own symptoms and timeline.
- Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form and is typically caused by adenoviruses. It usually presents with watery discharge, eye redness, and light sensitivity, and often occurs alongside colds or other viral infections. This type of pink eye typically lasts 5 to 14 days. It often starts in one eye and spreads to the other. Because it’s caused by a virus, antibiotic eye drops won’t help, but supportive care like cold compresses, avoiding eye makeup, and not touching your eyes can ease symptoms.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children and is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. It leads to thick yellow or green discharge, eyelid swelling, and can be treated effectively with an antibiotic eye drop. With treatment, symptoms usually improve within 1 to 2 days, and most cases clear in 5 to 7 days. Without treatment, it may last up to 10 days. Antibiotic eye drops are often prescribed to shorten pink eye duration and reduce contagiousness.
- Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust. It causes itchy, red, and watery eyes, but it is not contagious. Duration depends on exposure. If the allergen is removed, symptoms may fade within hours to days. If exposure continues, symptoms may persist until allergy treatment begins.
Each type can impact people differently depending on their immune system, age, and health status. Children, teachers, and healthcare workers in particular are at higher risk due to close-contact environments.
The Top 6 Factors That Affect Pink Eye Recovery
Some cases of pink eye resolve quickly, while others linger. Several factors can influence how fast you recover:
1. Cause of the Pink Eye
As mentioned, viral, bacterial, or allergic causes each come with different timelines and responses to treatment.
2. Whether Treatment Was Started
Using an antibiotic eye drop early can shorten the duration of pink eye in bacterial cases. Delayed or incorrect treatment often leads to prolonged symptoms.
3. Immune System Strength
If your immune system is already fighting off a cold or flu, which is common in viral infections, pink eye may take longer to clear. Seniors and individuals with chronic illnesses may experience longer recovery times.
4. Age and Exposure
Children, students, and healthcare workers are exposed to more germs, increasing the chance of reinfection. In Edmonton’s schools and daycares, this is a recurring issue every winter.
5. Hygiene Habits
Touching your eyes, not washing your hands, or sharing towels can spread the infection and even cause reinfection. Clean pillowcases and avoid eye makeup until symptoms resolve.
6. Surface Transmission
One overlooked factor is how long pink eye can linger on surfaces. Pink eye-causing viruses can live on doorknobs, counters, or makeup brushes for up to 2 days. Disinfect shared spaces regularly.
Treating and Preventing Pink Eye
While many cases of pink eye resolve on their own, treatment and prevention are key to reducing symptoms and avoiding further spread.
Treatments may include:
- Antibiotic eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis
- Lubricating eye drops or cold compresses for viral cases
- Antihistamines or allergy eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis
- Discontinuing contact lens wear until the eyes fully heal
To prevent pink eye from spreading or recurring:
- Avoid touching your eyes, especially with unwashed hands
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water
- Discard or sanitize eye makeup and brushes
Disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home, especially during flu season
Get Relief with Personalized Pink Eye Care in Edmonton, AB
Pink eye can be more than just an annoyance. It disrupts your daily life, affects your vision, and poses a risk to others around you. At Prairie Eye Care, we take every case seriously and offer fast, thorough care tailored to your needs.
If you or someone in your family is dealing with symptoms of pink eye, don’t wait. Book your comprehensive eye exam at Prairie Eye Care in Edmonton to get the help you need and protect your household and community from unnecessary spread.
Pink Eye Duration FAQs
How long is pink eye contagious?
That answer varies:
- Viral and bacterial pink eye are both contagious while symptoms are present, especially eye redness and discharge.
- With antibiotics, bacterial pink eye is usually no longer contagious after 24 hours of treatment.
- Viral cases can remain contagious for up to 14 days.
How long does pink eye last on a surface?
Viruses that cause pink eye can live on surfaces like towels, doorknobs, and pillows for up to 2 days, so regular cleaning is important.
Can I treat pink eye at home?
Mild cases can often be managed with warm or cool compresses, lubricating eye drops, and good hygiene. But if symptoms worsen or involve eye pain, blurred vision, or swelling, seek care from your optometrist.