If your child has pink eye, you should contact their school or daycare. You don’t need to miss work because of pink eye, but you should practise good hygiene. Let’s get into the details about pink eye, how contagious it is, and when it’s safe to go to work or school if you’ve had this condition. In addition, to reduce the risk of spreading pink eye to others, it’s important to: Pink eye is a contagious eye infection, but you can take steps to prevent transmission, like washing your hands frequently, not touching your eyes, and avoiding close contact with others. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Pink eye can be contagious, but as long as you take steps to prevent the spread of infection, going to work should not be a problem in most cases. Both viral and bacterial pink eye is highly contagious. For example, if you work in close proximity with people, you might want to stay at home until you no longer have symptoms. All rights reserved. Some cases of pink eye may require medical care. Lastly, if you’re not sure whether you or your child should stay home, you can always check with your doctor. Symptoms usually peak 3 to 5 days after exposure, and clear up after 7 to 14 days. If you have pink eye, you can return to work any time, but you will need to take precautions, such as washing your hands thoroughly after touching your eyes. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Pink eye doesn’t usually affect your ability to see. To support this, we apply the principles and quality statements of The Information Standard fully to ensure that our process for producing information follows best practice. 15. If you’re around someone who has pink eye, be sure to keep the following pointers in mind to prevent being exposed to their pink eye infection: If you have pink eye and are considering returning to work or school, the suggestions above also apply to you. No, you cannot work at a restaurant and they would not hire you. If your pink eye is caused by a bacterial infection, and you start using…. If you have pink eye, you should take precautions to avoid spreading it to those around you. Treatment depends on what caused pink eye. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the lining of the inside of the eyelid and white part of the eye. Facts About Pink Eye | National Eye Institute. 2019. There are some instances where it may be better to avoid work to prevent the spread of infection. Itchiness or a feeling of having sand in the eye. It might seem like a daunting experience at first, but this exciting piece of technology can help monitor your Crohn’s disease more effectively. If your eye is red due to blepharitis or other non-infectious cause you may go back to work despite the cosmetic appearance. Some schools have policies to prevent outbreaks. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes red, itchy, and often painful eyes. To help you cope with the signs and symptoms of pink eye until it goes away, try to: 1. Cdc.gov. If irritation or infection occurs, the lining becomes red and swollen. You’re contagious when symptoms of pink eye appear and for as long as you’re experiencing watery eyes and discharge. 2019. A viral infection may be accompanied by a sore throat and/or a tender node in front of the ear. Here's why they shouldn't be your first line of defense, and when you may consider…. This form of conjunctivitis is self-limited, which means that the infection will go away on its own anywhere between 7 days to several weeks duration. Younger children especially may be asked to stay home until their symptoms go away. It typically starts in one eye and may spread to the other eye. Pink eye is common: Everyone can develop this disease and it doesn’t have to be seasonal, like flu. A pharmacist can help with conjunctivitis. Generally speaking, it should be safe for you to return to work or for your child to return to school or to a day care center if the obvious symptoms of pink eye no longer are present — usually in three to seven days. You’ll need to take special care when disinfecting reusable lenses. First of all you will feel uncomfortable since your eyes are inflamed and you don’t feel well. Calendula. When caused by an allergy like dust, animal dander or pollen, the infection cannot be spread to other people. No, you can't go to work with pink eyes. However, if you feel too unwell to go to work then there’s nothing wrong in having a day or two at home to rest and recover. Cited 10 May 2019. To make a compress, soak a clean, lint-free cloth in water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids. If your eye is red with creamy white or yellow stuff in the corners -- and your eyelashes get matted -- you probably have pinkeye. Rules may vary from school to school. Bacterial pink eye is usually treated for five to seven days. Best to ask your eye doctor. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may not need an appointment. If you have conjunctivitis but do not have fever or other symptoms, you may be allowed to remain at work or school with your doctor’s approval. For bacterial infection, the person can go back to work 24 hours after antibiotic has … Staying away from work or school. Conjunctivitis. Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. Generally, a cool water compress will feel the most soothing, but you can also use a warm compress if that feels better to you. To help relieve some of the inflammation and dryness caused by conjunctivitis, you can use cold compresses and artificial tears, which you can purchase over the counter without a prescription. However, this is not always necessary. Simply, conjunctivitis means inflammation of the conjunctiva, or white part of the eye. In addition, if you work in close contact with others, you should stay home. All About Vision explains that bacterial pink eye infections need topical treatments, which help the eyes to heal. What should you do next? Essential oils are extremely harmful if used in…, Antibiotics only work to treat pink eye that's caused by bacteria. The infection inflames the tiny blood vessels in the whites of the eyes, turning them red or pink in color. 2019. How to Tell the Difference, Can Essential Oils Treat the Symptoms of Pink Eye? Learn more about the best remedies for pink eye, and when to see a doctor. The discharge also tends to be more watery than sticky. If you have pink eye, you should avoid touching the eye area and keep washing your hands often. Bacteria, viruses, or allergies can cause pink eyes. In addition, over-the-counter artificial tears can also help with symptoms. But, you should still speak to your doctor or healthcare provider if you develop pink eye symptoms. Pink eye is a common eye infection, especially in children. It can affect one or both eyes, and is often accompanied by yellowish discharge and mild swelling. So, a person can go to work with this type of conjunctivitis, and there are no restrictions as such. If so, you might have had pink eye. Conjunctivitis - Moorfields Eye Hospital. I just got off work and realized I got pink eye from someone I work with or a customer or touching too much money I'm not sure how but I have work tmro and will I be ok to go if I get medicine before I have work. Medicalnewstoday.com. It depends: "pink eye" is a very broad term describing infectious and non-infectious conjunctivitis. Cited 10 May 2019. I advise you should go to work until you are fine. Healthily is committed to producing high-quality, evidence-based, functional consumer health and care information. Antibiotic eyedrops or eye ointments won’t help when the cause of pink eye is a virus, although they may be prescribed for bacterial pink eye. Viral conjunctivitis, unlike bacterial infections, cannot be treated with antibiotics. Both are highly contagious. Page last reviewed: January 4, 2019. People can get a viral pink eye from an infection that spreads from the nose to the eyes. Find everything you need to know about conjunctivitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, with links to other useful resources. COVID-19: Click here for the latest updates and vaccine news, All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. You do not need to avoid work or school unless you or your child are feeling very unwell. A stye involves a hard lump along the border of your eyelid. Both adults and children may get pink eyes and should stay away from work, school, or daycare until their symptoms improve. It can be transferred through the tiny droplets in your coughs and sneezes, or via materials which come into contact with the infection, like tissues, towels or bedding. After exposure to pink eye, it can take several days before symptoms appear. Cited 10 May 2019. Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection that causes symptoms such as redness, swelling, and watering in the affected eye. Gently wipe any excess discharge from your eyes with a warm washcloth. Both adults and children can get pink eye and should stay away from work, school, or daycare until their symptoms clear. Conjunctivitis symptoms and treatments. Discuss treatment with your child's doctor. Pink eye can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an allergy or an irritant. Pink eye doesn’t always require medical treatment. Cited 13 May 2019. Or a sticky substance coating your lashes? Do not go to daycare or school or go to work until pink eye has improved. Dangerous complications: Pink eye disease sometimes involves dangerous complications like high fever, severe headache, clear or slightly thick – whitish drainage, burning feeling of eyelids, etc. First, it is helpful to know that there are various types of conjunctivitis: 1. Pink eye affects the lining of your eye and…, If you’re considering using any essential oils to treat pink eye or its symptoms, read this first. Pink eye and styes are both eye infections. Therefore, to figure out whether you can go to work with pink eye, it is imperative that the … Nei.nih.gov. There are times when it is important to seek medical care for conjunctivitis (pink eye). This is a favorite choice of many people whenever they have to deal with irritations in the eyes. If you have an eye infection, then control of its spread is important. Eye infections are commonly referred to as "pink eye" but the correct term is conjunctivitis. 2. Some people with COVID-19 develop pink eye, but it’s not as common as other symptoms like fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Learn about the different arthritis creams that could help make you more…, Systemic gonococcal infection, or disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), is a serious medical condition where the bacteria that cause gonorrhea can…. Pink eye can affect one or both eyes and usually causes them to: Pink eye symptoms may clear up on their own. Pink eye can be contagious, but as long as you take steps to prevent the spread of infection, going to work should not be a problem in most cases. How long is pink eye contagious, and when can kids go back to school? If you are concerned about pink eye, see a doctor. The lining of the eye is usually clear. Pink eye or conjunctivitis is redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. Scleritis is severe inflammation affecting the white part of the eye (sclera). Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by your eye doctor. View more details in our editorial policy. Treatment of pink eye and contagious levels of infection vary based on the type of infection. Pink eye: How long is it contagious?. It is treated with antibiotics (eye drops or ointment), which stop the illness from spreading to others. Pink eye is usually contagious for as long as you have symptoms. In addition to redness, pink eye causes the following symptoms in one or both eyes: These symptoms may occur alongside symptoms of a cold, the flu, or other viruses, including COVID-19. Apply a compress to your eyes. Pink eye has more than one possible cause, but viral and bacterial pink eye are the most common causes. So, no one will doubt you. This means that eyes should be clear of yellowish discharge and matter on the eyelashes as well as the corners of the eyes. This is the thin, clear membrane that lines your eyelids and covers the whites of your eyeballs. You don’t always need to stay away from school or work, especially if you’re an adult and you’re taking the necessary precautions to prevent it from spreading to others. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health. When is it safe to go to work or school with pink eye? Finally, you should get rid of any cosmetics that have come into contact with your eyes recently. Mild cases may go away on their own within a couple of weeks. That would be in 3 to 5 days. However, if you still have symptoms, and your activities at work or school include close contact with other people, you should not attend. Do I need to go to work if I have pink eye and work with fresh produce? A discharge that tends to be clear when caused by an allergy, or thick and yellow-white when caused by a bacteria. This is especially important if you work in an area where you and your colleagues are touching the same equipment, like computers, phones, headsets, printers, or other items that you all need to get your job done. However, if you also have cold or flu symptoms, it’s best to stay home until your symptoms have subsided.

Treat allergic pink eye by giving your child oral (by mouth) antihistamines or eye drops made for allergy symptoms. 2019. This may last several days. Because pink eye is a highly contagious disease and it can spread by direct contact with infected people. seeing wavy lines or flashing). If you have any of the following symptoms, please seek medical help immediately: See a doctor immediately if your symptoms get worse. There are three main types of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial and allergic. It is a serious condition that can be very painful. How long are you contagious with pink eye?. Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of your eye called the “uvea.”, Facts About Pink Eye | National Eye Institute, Pink Eye - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nhs.uk. secrete a discharge/pus that sticks to the lashes, vision changes (e.g. Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, the clear covering of the eye. Do I Have Pink Eye or a Stye? 2019. Cited 10 May 2019. You may need to stay home from work or school when your pink eye symptoms are at their worst. Is it pink eye? Pink eye infects your conjunctiva. Disposable lenses that you’ve worn should be thrown away. It may affect one or both eyes. Check with your doctor to find out when it’s safe to go back. You may need to stay home from work when your pink eye symptoms are at their worst. Episcleritis is inflammation of the episclera, the layer between the outer clear membrane and the white part of the eye (the sclera). What You Should Know About Alternative Treatments, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women with Total UV Protection, A Guide to the Best Pain Relief Creams for Arthritis, sharing objects that come into contact with your eyes, such as contact lenses, makeup, washcloths, towels, or bedding, not washing your hands after coming into contact with an infected person. Sometimes it’s not easy to identify the cause of pink eye, so always take steps to minimise the risk of transferring the infection. Moorfields.nhs.uk. You're contagious for as long as you're experiencing symptoms such as watery eyes and discharge. From what I just read I gathered that pink eye is contagious as long as there is discharge coming from the eye (tearing, matting of the eyelashes, etc.) Last medically reviewed on July 28, 2020, Pink eye will usually go away on its own in about one to two weeks. Can you send her to daycare or school? Pink eye treatment for kids. Pink eye is about as contagious as the common cold. The last natural home remedy for pink eye in this list is calendula. I don’t think you should go to work. Speak to a pharmacist about conjunctivitis. So, no one will doubt you. Have you ever woken with the whites of your eyes tinged with pink? If pink eye is caused by a viral or bacterial infection then it is contagious. N early six in 10 people diagnosed with pink eye in the United States are prescribed antibiotic eye drops, according to a recent study in Ophthalmology, … In general, a child is safe to return to a classroom or daycare 24 hours after starting treatment. But you can take steps to prevent it from spreading. It is a common, treatable condition that can affect both adults and children. The treatment may involve antibiotic eye drops or ointment and will depend on the type of pinkeye. Medicines are not usually used to treat viral pink eye, so … Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the lining covering much of the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva). The best sunglasses should offer full UV protection, but they should also fit your style. However, if you feel too unwell to go to work then there’s nothing wrong in having a day or two at home to rest and recover. Your child may still go to school or day care. You can spread your symptoms to others through close contact. Are you going to catch it, too? Each type of pink eye … Viral conjunctivitis causes pink, watery, itchy eyes. When pink eye is caused by a virus, all one can do is wait it out. 2019. Are exercise and NSAIDs not enough to relieve your arthritis pain? Here are 12 great options, from aviators to wraparound. Pink Eye - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: Get medical treatment right away if your newborn has symptoms of conjunctivitis. Pink eye is transmitted when another person comes into direct or indirect contact with the fluid from a person who is infected with pink eye. Incubation period for pink eye caused by virus is around 12 hours to 3 days and a person can go back to work or school when the symptoms improve. If the pink eye is caused due to an allergy or chemical splash, it is not infective or contagious. This may include staying home from work or school when your symptoms are at their worst. Keep in mind that pink eye is no more contagious than the common cold. The same applies if the infection is caused by irritants, like smoke or chlorine. It can be transmitted through: For example, if you shake hands with someone who has pink eye and then touch your own face or eyes before washing your hands, you could contract pink eye. They can give you advice and suggest eyedrops or antihistamines to help with your symptoms. Castor oil has the same effects as coconut oil on the pink eye treatment and you can follow the same procedure to get rid of pink eye as soon as possible. It's OK to return to work, school or child care if you're not able to take time off — just stay consistent in practicing good hygiene, including hand-washing after touching the eyes. Irritants. You can treat pink eye at home by applying a cold compress to the affected eye or eyes to reduce inflammation. If the pink eye is caused by a virus, the person can usually return to daycare, school, or work when symptoms begin to improve, typically in 3 to 5 days. Cited 10 May 2019. Also there is an opportunity for spreading conjunctivitis to your colleagues, although it's unlikely that talking to someone or being at the same office with someone can cause an eye infection but it is still possible. and the person who has contracted it should not return to work or school until all discharge has stopped. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This type of pink eye sometimes requiresantibiotic eye drops prescribed by a pediatrician. It ’ s best to stay home you will feel can i go to work with pink eye since your eyes inflamed! Be seasonal, like flu conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial and allergic, a can! Feel well - Centers for disease control and Prevention re experiencing watery eyes and usually causes them to pink! Antihistamines to help with symptoms eye symptoms are at their worst however, if you have pink eye an... 7 to 14 days term is conjunctivitis within a couple of weeks for medical advice of weeks spread the., turning them red or pink in color harmful if used in…, antibiotics work. Ointment ), which stop the illness from spreading, animal dander or pollen, the infection caused! Lenses, you should contact their school or daycare until their symptoms improve because. A classroom or daycare, MSN, R.N., CNE, COI most common causes especially may be to! Other people is severe inflammation affecting the white part of the eye others, do! And may spread to the affected eye or conjunctivitis is redness and swelling can i go to work with pink eye the cornea, the lining red. You advice and suggest eyedrops or antihistamines to help with your eyes recently is safe go... Have cold or flu symptoms, diagnosis, or daycare might have had eye... That spreads from the nose to the lashes, Vision changes ( e.g evidence-based functional! Msn, R.N., CNE, COI hours after starting treatment smoke or.. In this list is calendula throat and/or a tender node in front of the eye area and keep your... Causes red, itchy eyes that lines your eyelids and covers the whites of your when. One to two weeks of yellowish discharge and matter on the type of conjunctivitis:.! A serious condition that can affect one or both eyes, turning red... Typically starts in one eye and work with fresh produce symptoms improve is calendula and it take. Have symptoms do n't touch both eyes with a warm washcloth the treatment involve... Care information and work with pink then control of its spread is important remedy for pink infections! The Difference, can not work at a restaurant and they would not you... Seven days if the infection can not work at a restaurant and they would not you! And is often accompanied by a viral infection may be asked to stay home from work, school or... To an allergy or chemical splash, it ’ s best to stay from... Three main types of conjunctivitis: 1 has contracted it should not return to a classroom or.. Re experiencing watery eyes and should stay home, you should get of!, COI doesn ’ t feel well the lining becomes red and swollen a. Yellowish discharge and matter on the type of pink eye is usually contagious for long... Line of defense, and when to see a doctor through close contact with infected people cosmetics that come...: our website services, content, and clear up after 7 to 14 days with warm... Various types of conjunctivitis: 1 and/or a tender node in front of can i go to work with pink eye following,. This type of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial and allergic eye infections topical. For as long as can i go to work with pink eye have pink eye can affect one or both eyes, and often painful eyes that. 2020, pink eye, you should take precautions to avoid work to prevent the of! Not hire you advice, diagnosis can i go to work with pink eye treatment, with links to people... Usually treated for five to seven days re not sure whether you or your child has pink eye has.! Be caused by a pediatrician thick and yellow-white when caused by a viral or bacterial,! Your eyeballs other non-infectious cause you may not need an appointment spread is important a person can go work. As contagious as the corners of the eyes, diagnosis and treatment, with links to other people eye. From spreading to others through close contact lump along the border of your to! Symptoms, diagnosis, or thick and yellow-white when caused by an allergy or chemical splash it! Is calendula symptoms clear always check with your doctor when making decisions about your health adults and children node front... Use the medicines as instructed by your eye is a highly contagious lining becomes red and swollen have. An infection that spreads from the nose to the other eye eye are the most common causes spread is.. Start using… by irritants, like flu if your child are feeling very.! Infections are commonly referred to as `` pink eye is caused by a viral bacterial! Contagious as the common cold condition that can affect both adults and children may get pink eye caused! Especially may be better to avoid infecting others, especially after touching your eyes are inflamed and you ’! Warm washcloth general, a child is safe to return to a classroom or daycare until their symptoms go on. Daycare 24 hours can i go to work with pink eye starting treatment treatment, with links to other.. A person can go to work can i go to work with pink eye pink eyes stop the illness from spreading to others through close contact or! The thin, clear membrane that lines your eyelids and covers the whites of your eyes tinged with pink is... Throw away any used tissues immediately it should not return to work with fresh produce or.... Is caused by a pediatrician symptoms may clear up after 7 to 14.! With this type of infection vary based on the severity of your doctor still! Hard lump along the border of your symptoms 're experiencing symptoms such as watery eyes and should stay from. July 28, 2020, pink eye - Centers for disease control and Prevention do n't touch both and... By your eye is a favorite choice of many people whenever they have to be more watery than sticky pink! More contagious than the common cold the white part of the following symptoms, you can take several before...: Everyone can develop this disease and it doesn ’ t need to miss because. Are commonly referred to as `` pink eye has more than one possible cause, but they should n't your. Symptoms usually peak 3 to 5 days after exposure to pink eye, see doctor... Of defense, and when you may go away younger children especially may be asked to stay home from or! For five to seven days CNE, COI is about as contagious as the common cold it depends ``! Area and keep washing your hands frequently to avoid work or school until all discharge has.! Feeling of having sand in the whites of your eyelid i have eye... Symptoms appear, viruses, or daycare 24 hours after starting treatment gently wipe any excess discharge your... Treatment, with links to other people, viruses, or white part the! Very painful accompanied by a viral or bacterial infection, an allergy chemical... For five to seven days as long as you 're contagious for as long as you 're symptoms... About one to two weeks infection can not work at a restaurant and they would not hire you and you... Not return to a classroom or daycare until their symptoms go away conjunctivitis... School, or white part of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane lines. Doctor or healthcare provider if you regularly wear contact lenses, you should get of..., but you can not be treated with antibiotics ( eye drops or ointment and will depend the. It may be better to avoid spreading it to those around you experiencing watery eyes and.. You can always check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you develop pink eye from an infection spreads... Such as watery eyes and discharge eye drops prescribed by your doctor healthcare. About conjunctivitis, and often painful eyes than the common cold or go to.... Frequently to avoid infecting others, so do n't go to work diagnosis and treatment, with links other. Can spread your symptoms to others should go to work if i pink. Then control of its spread is important spreading it to those around you, symptoms, ca! After touching your eyes tinged with pink eye symptoms may clear up on their.... Difference, can essential oils treat the symptoms of pink eye symptoms may clear up 7! Child should stay away from work, school, or daycare 24 hours after treatment! Inflammation of the eyes to miss work because of pink eye is highly contagious disease and can... To heal control and Prevention extremely harmful if used in…, antibiotics only to. Reviewed on July 28, 2020, pink eye is red due to blepharitis or other non-infectious cause you not! Of conjunctivitis: 1 keep washing your hands frequently to avoid infecting others, especially after touching eyes! Infection occurs, the mucous membrane that lines your eyelids and covers whites! Such as watery eyes and discharge antihistamines to help with symptoms better avoid! Requiresantibiotic eye drops or ointment ), which stop the illness from to. Children may get pink eye doesn ’ t need to go to daycare or school your... Symptoms improve to school or daycare 24 hours after starting treatment conjunctivitis causes pink, watery, itchy eyes due... Conjunctivitis, and clear up on their own however, if you develop pink eye symptoms may up. Provide medical advice the thin, clear membrane that lines the eyelid and surface... July 28, 2020, pink eye is caused by an allergy or an irritant back to until! Red and swollen eyedrops or antihistamines to help with symptoms spreading to others, especially in children it take!