Is Pink a Fall Color?

While many people think of pink eye as something that only happens when we’re cooped up in winter, early autumn can be a time for increased cases of conjunctivitis - the medical name for pink eye. 

“While pink eye is most common in the colder months, we see a lot of pink eye in the fall,” says Sujata Singh, MD, an ophthalmologist at University of Vermont Medical Center. “Colds and pollen allergies are frequent culprits." 

Q+A: Pink Eye  

We asked Dr. Singh to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about pink eye, so you and your family can stay healthy.

What is pink eye? 

Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that covers the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. This irritates the eyes, causing them to turn pink or red. The condition isn’t serious but is often uncomfortable.

How do you get pink eye? 

Pink eye has several common causes, notably infectious or allergic: 

Bacteria and Viruses  

Most cases of pink eye are a result of a viral or bacterial infection, usually from the same viruses that cause upper respiratory infections, like the cold or flu, and the types of bacteria associated with staph infections and strep throat.

Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious and spread easily through contact with an infected person or surfaces they have touched. Pink eye is often spread through shared towels.

Bacterial and viral pink eye typically start in one eye and may spread to the other. It often causes a lot of white or yellow, or watery discharge. 

Allergens and Irritants 

Pink eye can also occur when allergens or other irritating substances enter the eye. In the summer and autumn, pink eye can be caused by allergies to pollen and grass, as well as other common allergens like animals, dust and mold. Other eye irritants include chlorine in swimming pools, chemicals in personal care products and smoke from campfires or fire pits. Allergic conjunctivitis often causes intense itchiness, too.

Allergic and irritant conjunctivitis are not contagious, so you don't have to worry about it spreading. These types of pink eye usually affect both eyes at the same time.

What are the symptoms of pink eye? 

As its name suggests, the most common symptom of pink eye is redness in the whites of the eyes. However, there are several other symptoms that parents should look out for, some of which may appear before the eye begins to turn red. These include: 

• Upper respiratory cold symptoms 

• A gritty feeling in the eye

• Discharge from the eye 

• An itching or burning sensation

• Swollen eyelids

• Watery eyes

Do I need to visit the pediatrician for pink eye? 

Most cases of pink eye are mild and may even go away on their own. Even so, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. Many providers’ offices offer telehealth visits, which can be a good option if you’re concerned about spreading an infection. 

“Even though pink eye is rarely serious, it’s always a good idea to call your doctor’s office,” says Dr. Singh. “They’ll be able to rule out other eye conditions that have similar symptoms and prescribe antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection.” 

How do you get rid of pink eye? 

Treatment for pink eye depends on the type of conjunctivitis you have. While viral pink eye will usually go away without treatment, bacterial pink eye needs to be treated with antibiotic eyedrops prescribed by your child’s doctor. 

If you have allergic or irritant conjunctivitis, you should limit exposure to the allergen or substance that’s causing a reaction. Anti-allergy medications (taken orally or in eyedrops) can also help with allergic conjunctivitis.

While you’re waiting for pink eye to clear up, there are several home treatments that can help. Dr. Singh recommends making a cool compress with a clean, damp washcloth to reduce swelling and redness. With viral conjunctivitis, frequent artificial tears can help symptoms and resolution also.

Your physician may also recommend over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.

How can I prevent pink eye from spreading? 

Infectious pink eye is highly contagious, but there are steps you can take to stop it from spreading. It’s important to remember that anyone can get pink eye, regardless of age, so all members of your household should take steps to avoid infection.

If your child has bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, it’s important to keep them home from school, day care and playdates until they are no longer contagious. Children with viral pink eye are no longer contagious once their symptoms have cleared up. If your child has bacterial pink eye, you should wait for 24 hours after starting antibiotics before letting them return to their normal activities.

Good hygiene is essential to stopping the spread of pink eye for everyone. Don’t rub or touch your eyes. If you do, wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds in hot water before touching other surfaces or people. You should also wash your hands after helping your child clean their eyes. “Because we often touch our face and eyes without even noticing, I recommend that kids and household members just routinely wash their hands frequently, every hour or so,” says Dr Singh. 

It’s also important to disinfect surfaces and not share towels or bedding. Finally, wash all bedding and towels in hot water after use.