As another season of cold and flu ramps up, another unwelcome visitor often tags along—pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. Pink eye is a common condition, particularly during colder months, when respiratory illnesses are more prevalent. Let’s take a closer look at what causes pink eye during this time, the different types of conjunctivitis, and how to protect your eyes.

Why Does Cold and Flu Season Lead to More Cases of Pink Eye?

The cold and flu season creates the perfect environment for the spread of viruses and bacteria, which are leading culprits of pink eye. Here’s how it happens:

Respiratory Infections: Viruses like adenovirus, often responsible for colds, can also cause viral conjunctivitis. Sneezing, coughing, or touching your eyes after handling contaminated surfaces spreads the virus quickly.

Weakened Immune System: When your body is busy fighting off a cold or the flu, your immune system may be less effective at protecting your eyes from infection.

Close Contact Indoors: During colder months, people tend to spend more time indoors, increasing close contact and the likelihood of sharing germs.

Types of Conjunctivitis

There are three main types of pink eye, each with distinct causes and symptoms:

Viral Conjunctivitis:

• Cause: Viruses like adenovirus, often linked to colds.
• Symptoms: Watery discharge, redness, and irritation in one or both eyes.
• Contagiousness: Highly contagious and often spreads in schools, workplaces, or households.

Treatment: No specific treatment; symptoms typically resolve within 7-14 days. Use a cold compress and artificial tears to relieve discomfort.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

• Cause: Bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.
• Symptoms: Thick, yellow, or greenish discharge that may cause eyelids to stick together, redness, and swelling.
• Contagiousness: Extremely contagious and often spread through direct contact or shared items like towels.

Treatment: Requires antibiotics, either in the form of eye drops or ointments, prescribed by the doctors at Bissell Eye Care or your primary care doctor.

Allergic Conjunctivitis:

• Cause: Allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites.
• Symptoms: Itchy, watery eyes, redness, and swelling. Symptoms often occur in both eyes.
• Contagiousness: Not contagious.

Treatment: Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications and eye drops can help.

How to Prevent Pink Eye During Cold and Flu Season

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of pink eye:

Wash Your Hands Frequently: Use soap and water to wash your hands thoroughly, especially after touching your face, coughing, or sneezing.

Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Try to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can transfer germs directly to the eye.

Disinfect Common Surfaces: Regularly clean surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, and smartphones to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Use Your Own Towels and Makeup: Sharing items like face towels, eye makeup, or contact lens cases can increase the risk of spreading pink eye.

Practice Respiratory Hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you sneeze or cough, and dispose of tissues immediately.

Stay Home If You’re Sick: If you have cold or flu symptoms, staying home can help prevent the spread of germs to others.

While many cases of pink eye resolve on their own, you should see the doctors at Bissell Eye Care if:

• Your symptoms persist for more than a week.
• You experience significant pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light.
• You have a weakened immune system or an existing eye condition.

Our doctors can diagnose the type of conjunctivitis you have and recommend the best course of treatment to get you back to feeling—and seeing—your best.

Pink eye may be common during cold and flu season, but with proper hygiene and quick action, you can protect your eyes and reduce the risk of spreading this condition. If you suspect you or your child may have pink eye, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment by calling 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444. Healthy eyes are always worth it!

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD owns and operates Bissell Eye Care servicing Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. With two locations to treat patients, we offer evening appointments. Bissell Eye Care provides comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family beginning as early as 6 months, ocular disease detection and treatment, eyeglasses, sunglasses, activewear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. We accept most types of vision and health insurance plans. For more information, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown Office at 724-443-6767 or Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.