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Is Allergic Conjunctivitis Contagious?
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, but other types of conjunctivitis, such as viral or bacterial, are. People can take steps to prevent transmission of the contagious types.
These steps include regularly washing the hands, avoiding touching the eye, and not sharing personal items that touch the eyes, such as towels.
People with allergic conjunctivitis cannot transmit it to other individuals.
Keep reading to learn more about why allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, how to tell if it is another type of conjunctivitis, and the available treatments.
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of tissue that covers the front of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. This tissue is known as the conjunctiva.
There are several types of conjunctivitis, including:
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, which some refer to as "pink eye," are contagious because they are the result of microbes that can transmit from one person to another.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious because allergies are the result of a person's immune system mistakenly reacting to something that is not dangerous, such as pollen or dust. People cannot transmit allergies to others.
That said, allergies can run in families, so family members may experience allergic conjunctivitis at the same time. This may give the appearance of it being contagious when it is not.
The symptoms of each type of conjunctivitis can be fairly similar. Each one can cause:
However, there are some key differences. The table below compares the types:
The type of conjunctivitis a person has may be apparent from their symptoms. However, if they are unsure, a person may need to speak with a doctor.
To diagnose conjunctivitis, a doctor may ask the individual questions about when the symptoms began and about their medical history. They may also examine the eye area.
If there is concern about damage to the cornea, a doctor may use a special stain to determine if there are any abrasions. If the doctor believes the cause is an allergen, they may refer the person for allergy testing.
Alternatively, they may be able to determine the allergen based on when their symptoms begin. For example, a person may only experience the irritation when they are playing with a pet, which could suggest an animal dander allergy.
Sometimes, people can prevent allergic conjunctivitis entirely by identifying and avoiding the allergen that triggers the symptoms. They can:
Depending on the allergy, it may also help for people to:
When avoidance is not possible or the allergen is unknown, a doctor may suggest further treatments that can help manage the symptoms, such as:
If a newborn develops conjunctivitis for any reason, parents or caregivers should consult a doctor immediately rather than trying to treat it at home.
Allergic conjunctivitis can last for as long as a person is in contact with an allergen. If the exposure was short, the inflammation should calm down with time. If the exposure is ongoing, a person may have chronic symptoms.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about allergic conjunctivitis.
Is allergic conjunctivitis serious?Allergic conjunctivitis is usually not serious. It rarely causes lasting damage to the eyes, and it is not life threatening.
However, allergies can cause significant discomfort and affect quality of life. There are also some more serious forms of conjunctivitis, such as vernal conjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis, which can affect vision without treatment.
Can you work with allergic conjunctivitis?This depends on the individual. If their symptoms affect their ability to do their job and they do not respond to treatment, then allergic conjunctivitis may affect their career.
Otherwise, a person does not need to stay out of work due to allergic conjunctivitis. The condition usually does not affect vision, and it generally has a good prognosis.
Can you have allergic conjunctivitis in one eye?Allergic conjunctivitis typically affects both eyes. However, if an allergen such as a pet hair has gotten into only one eye, it is possible that a person might have inflammation on one side.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, but other types of conjunctivitis are. The term "conjunctivitis" refers to inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelid and front of the eye, which can occur for several reasons, including infections.
If a person is certain the cause of their conjunctivitis is an allergen, then rinsing the eyes, using eye drops, or taking antihistamines may help. Avoiding the allergen, if possible, may also help prevent symptoms.
If a person is not certain of the cause of their conjunctivitis, they should take precautions to prevent transmission. They should seek medical advice if the symptoms do not get better, are severe, keep coming back, or affect sight.
What's The Difference Between Pink Eye And A Corneal Abrasion?
Pink eye and corneal abrasions are two separate conditions with different causes and treatments.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) involves an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the white part of your eye. A corneal abrasion, or scratch, consists of damage to the cornea.
While these are two different conditions with separate causes, some of the symptoms can be similar. However, the treatments are not the same.
Learn how to tell the difference between pink eye and a corneal abrasion and what types of treatments may be available for each.
Pink eye and corneal abrasion share similar symptoms, including vision changes and pain. Here are some of the distinguishing signs of each:
Pink eye symptomsAs the name suggests, pink eye is characterized by a pink color of the whites of your eyes that may also be red. Other common symptoms of pink eye include itchiness, swelling, and discharge.
Sometimes, pink eye can cause:
Pain and discomfort are more marked with corneal abrasions. Depending on the underlying cause, the pain can range from mild to severe, and it may gradually worsen.
While the white part of the affected eye may also be pink or red, this usually occurs after rubbing it out of discomfort and not from the injury itself. Corneal abrasions can also cause your eyes to water.
Vision problems are also common with corneal abrasions. These include sensitivity to light and blurry vision.
Various medical conditions can cause pink eye, while injuries usually result in corneal abrasions.
Pink eye causesPink eye may be viral, bacterial, or allergic. Both viral and bacterial cases are highly contagious. Discharge from viral pink eye tends to be watery, while bacterial versions are thicker and pus-like.
Allergic pink eye is caused by allergens and is not contagious. Allergic pink eye tends to be itchier than the other two types.
Corneal abrasion causesCorneal abrasions are caused by an injury that scratches your cornea. This can be attributed to various injuries, with some common examples including:
If you think you may have either pink eye or a corneal abrasion, it's recommended to see a doctor for an evaluation. They can determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatments.
Any significant eye injury that causes severe pain and vision problems should be checked by an eye doctor right away.
A doctor may diagnose pink eye based on the signs and symptoms. But if they're uncertain whether your case is caused by a virus or bacteria, they may prescribe a topical antibiotic.
For a corneal abrasion diagnosis, an eye doctor will determine the extent of the injury with a tool called biomicroscope. This can also show a doctor whether there's any foreign material stuck in your eye.
Treatment for pink eye and corneal abrasions aims to reduce symptoms while correcting the underlying problem. Here's what this consists of for each:
Pink eye treatmentPink eye treatment is based on the underlying cause, such as antibiotics for bacterial cases and allergy eye drops for allergic forms.
Learn more about treating pink eye.
Corneal abrasion treatmentMinor corneal abrasions may resolve on their own in 24–48 hours. Healthcare professionals may recommend artificial tears or topical antibiotic ointments to reduce discomfort.
If any objects are still stuck in the cornea, an eye doctor will remove them.
Learn more about treating corneal abrasions.
You can help prevent pink eye by:
You may also prevent injuries that can lead to corneal abrasion by:
Here are some common questions about pink eye and corneal abrasions.
How do you tell the difference between pink eye and a scratched cornea?A scratched cornea is typically more painful than pink eye, which tends to be itchier, more sore, and more uncomfortable. Also, while both can cause eye wateriness, pink eye is more likely to cause discharge. Pink eye may also develop in both eyes.
Does pink eye feel like something is in your eye?Sometimes, pink eye can cause sensations of grittiness, or like something is stuck in your eye. You'll likely experience this along with other key signs, such as redness.
How do you rule out a corneal abrasion?Only a doctor can rule out a corneal abrasion. They will use a specialized blue light to see your cornea and look for damages or determine whether anything is still stuck in your eye.
Can you use pink eye drops for a scratched cornea?Pink eye drops do not work for a corneal abrasion. Such medications help treat inflammation in the conjunctiva, which is a separate part of your eye. The only exception is antibiotic eye drops, which is used to prevent infection in cases of corneal abrasion.
While some of the symptoms may be similar, keep in mind that pink eye is more likely to cause discharge, while a corneal abrasion may cause more severe pain.
Consider reaching out to an eye doctor about any eye-related concerns you may have.
What Is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)? Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
There are four main types of conjunctivitis: viral, allergic, bacterial and chemical. However, there are other, less common types such as immune-mediated and contact lens-related conjunctivitis.
Viral ConjunctivitisViral conjunctivitis is the most common form of pink eye, accounting for around 80% of cases . It's caused by a virus, such as the common cold. It may affect both eyes and can be spread through contact with an infected person's discharge, coughing or sneezing.
"Any virus that causes a cold or respiratory flu can also land in the eye and cause pink eye," explains Arthur Lavin, M.D., FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Beachwood, Ohio.
According to Dr. Lavin, some of the most common viruses causing viral conjunctivitis include:
Children are most susceptible to viral conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious in schools and daycare centers. "Since kids get more colds, they get more pink eye, too," adds Dr. Lavin.
Allergic ConjunctivitisAllergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to certain irritants, such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites. It usually affects both eyes and is not contagious like some other forms. The discharge associated with allergic conjunctivitis is usually clear and watery—unlike the thick discharge associated with bacterial conjunctivitis.
Because allergens are more common in spring and summer, allergic conjunctivitis is more likely to occur during these times. This form may appear as an immediate response to an allergen, or it may happen hours or days later. The best way to prevent and treat this type of conjunctivitis is to avoid the allergens that cause it.
Bacterial ConjunctivitisBacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacterial infections and can affect one or both eyes. When bacteria affect the eye, it can cause redness and swelling of the conjunctiva. Like viral conjunctivitis, this form is contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected person or sharing items such as towels, pillows and makeup. Unlike viral conjunctivitis which usually has a thin, watery discharge, bacterial conjunctivitis causes a very thick mucus discharge.
The most common bacteria causing bacterial conjunctivitis in children include:
The most common bacteria causing bacterial conjunctivitis in adults include:
In infants, N. Gonorrhoeae is the most common bacteria causing bacterial conjunctivitis. This bacteria usually progresses quickly and can lead to more serious eye conditions if left untreated.
Bacterial pink eye is most common from December to April. It typically lasts between seven and 10 days but may have a shorter duration if treated with antibiotics within the first few days of developing symptoms.
Chemical ConjunctivitisChemical conjunctivitis is an eye irritation caused by exposure to a chemical or irritant, such as chlorine from swimming pools or air pollution. This type of pink eye is not contagious and usually subsides within a few days.
Flushing the eye with saline will help reduce the irritation. People who wear contacts should remove their lenses and speak with an optometrist or ophthalmologist if their eyes become overly irritated, red or painful. You may need to switch to a different type of lens or solution, or stop wearing contact lenses altogether.
Sometimes, emergency medical attention is necessary if there is a severe reaction to the chemical irritant. Getting highly acidic or highly alkaline chemicals into the eye can cause serious risk of permanent vision loss, so initiate flushing the eye with an eye wash and immediately seek medical care.
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