Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is one of the most common eye problems, affecting people of all ages. While most cases are mild and clear up with little treatment, others can be more serious, especially if infection spreads or if symptoms overlap with other conditions that affect the eye. Because pink eye is also highly contagious, knowing when to treat it at home, when to see a doctor, and when to head to the ER is critical.
What Causes Pink Eye?
The conjunctiva is a thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Pink eye occurs when this tissue becomes inflamed, turning the eye red or pink. There are several common causes: viral infections, bacterial infections, allergic reactions, and irritation from substances like smoke or chemicals.
Fungal or parasitic infections are rare causes, but should be considered in patients with recent eye trauma involving soil, plants, or contact with contaminated water.
Viral pink eye often develops during or after a cold. Bacterial cases are more likely to produce thick discharge and may need antibiotics. Allergic pink eye usually causes itching, tearing, and swelling in both eyes. Irritant-related conjunctivitis clears once the source of irritation is removed.
Recognizing Symptoms
Typical pink eye symptoms include redness in one or both eyes, irritation, watery or thick discharge, crusting around the lashes, and swollen eyelids. Some people also notice itching, light sensitivity, or the feeling of grit in the eye. These symptoms usually last several days to two weeks depending on the cause.
Severe itchiness is more likely with allergic conjunctivitis, while gritty, sandy sensations are often found in viral or bacterial cases. Photophobia (sensitivity to light) or blurred vision can indicate complications and need urgent evaluation.
In many cases, these signs indicate a mild infection that can be managed at home or with a prescription from a primary care provider. But certain red flags should not be ignored.
When Symptoms Become Concerning
Not all cases of pink eye are harmless. Emergency evaluation is necessary if the condition progresses beyond irritation and mild discomfort. Seek care right away if you experience severe pain, vision changes, extreme sensitivity to light, or swelling that spreads beyond the eye. Thick yellow or green discharge, high fever, or redness in only one eye paired with pain may also suggest a more serious infection.
Eye trauma followed by redness and discharge is another reason to go to the ER immediately, since injuries can open the door to deeper infections.
Never attempt to remove a foreign object from the eye at home. Cover the eye loosely and seek immediate care, especially if pain is severe or vision is affected.
Pink Eye in Children
Children often develop pink eye in daycare or school settings, where germs spread quickly. Parents may notice that their child wakes up with crusted lashes, rubs their eyes frequently, or avoids light. While mild cases may be monitored at home, parents should be cautious. Pink eye in children accompanied by fever, swelling, or unusual tiredness should be evaluated promptly.
Young children with pink eye and persistent fever, refusal to eat or drink, or difficulty waking up may be showing early signs of a more serious infection, such as preseptal or orbital cellulitis, which can spread rapidly.
Because children may not describe symptoms clearly, any rapid changes in their eyes or behavior should raise concern.
How the ER Evaluates Pink Eye
When someone comes to the ER with eye redness and discomfort, the first step is ruling out more serious causes. At Sugar Land ER, evaluation may include an eye exam with a light, reviewing discharge characteristics, and checking vision clarity. If infection is suspected, samples may be taken to confirm whether bacteria are present. The ER team also rules out other eye problems that mimic pink eye, such as styes, corneal scratches, or blepharitis.
Quick evaluation ensures patients get the right treatment and prevents complications that could threaten vision.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Viral cases are usually treated with supportive care such as artificial tears and cool compresses. Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic drops or ointments to clear infection and shorten the contagious period. Allergic conjunctivitis responds well to antihistamine or anti-inflammatory drops.
In severe cases, the ER may prescribe stronger medication or provide IV antibiotics if infection has spread beyond the eye. Pain relief and close follow-up may also be recommended.
Preventing the Spread
Because pink eye spreads easily, prevention is important for families, schools, and workplaces. Washing hands frequently, avoiding eye rubbing, and not sharing towels, makeup, or contact lenses are simple but effective steps. Bedding and frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned regularly when someone in the home has an active infection. Contact lens wearers should always stop wearing lenses at the first sign of eye redness or discharge.
Parents should also keep children with contagious conjunctivitis home from school or daycare until cleared by a provider.
When to Choose the ER
Pink eye may seem like a minor irritation, but there are times when waiting is not safe. The ER is the right choice when symptoms come with fever, significant swelling, vision loss, or severe pain. For patients with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with chronic conditions, any infection should be treated urgently.
Timely treatment not only brings relief but also prevents the spread of infection to others and protects long-term eye health.
Protecting Your Vision
Eyes are sensitive organs, and even common infections can lead to serious problems if not addressed quickly. By knowing the difference between mild conjunctivitis and symptoms that point to something more serious, patients can take the right action without delay.
Contact your provider promptly if you develop severe eye pain, changes in vision, inability to open the eye, or symptoms that rapidly worsen. For children, persistent fussiness, failure to improve after two days, or new rashes with pink eye should trigger an urgent call.
Immediate Care When It Matters
Pink eye is uncomfortable, inconvenient, and sometimes dangerous. Acting quickly when symptoms escalate is the best way to protect your vision and overall health.
Sugar Land ER is open 24/7 with no wait times. Our experienced emergency team provides immediate evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for serious or complicated eye infections, ensuring you get fast relief and peace of mind.
