Pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be caused by several factors, and how you get it depends on the cause:
- Viral pink eye is the most common type and is highly contagious. It is usually caused by viruses like adenovirus, which can also cause colds or respiratory infections. You can get viral pink eye through close personal contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces or objects, or contact with droplets from coughs or sneezes of someone infected
- Bacterial pink eye is also very contagious and caused by certain bacteria. It spreads through direct contact with infected eye secretions, sharing personal items, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes. It is more common in children and can occur after birth
- Allergic pink eye is caused by allergens such as pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust. This type is not contagious and happens when your eyes react to these substances, often seasonally or year-round depending on allergen exposure
- Irritant pink eye results from exposure to chemicals, smoke, air pollution, or foreign objects in the eye. This type is not contagious and occurs after contact with the irritant
In summary, you get pink eye primarily by:
- Touching your eyes with hands that have come into contact with the virus or bacteria causing infection
- Close contact with an infected person (e.g., shaking hands, sharing towels or makeup)
- Exposure to allergens or irritants that trigger inflammation in the eyes
Good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding touching your eyes, helps prevent getting or spreading contagious pink eye
Key transmission routes for contagious pink eye:
- Direct contact with infected eye discharge
- Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
- Respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes of infected individuals
Non-contagious pink eye from allergies or irritants is caused by exposure to those substances rather than infection
. This explains how you get pink eye depending on its cause.
