October is Pinktober, a month dedicated to breast cancer awareness, education, support, and hope. At Clara Vista Eyecare, we love seeing all the pink around our community and supporting such an important cause.

But since October has us thinking PINK, we thought it was also the perfect time to talk about another kind of pink we see in our office…

👁️ PINK EYE!

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, happens when the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelid becomes inflamed.

But here’s the important part: not every pink or red eye is the same — and not every case needs antibiotics!

Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritation, and figuring out the cause is important because treatment can be completely different.

💡 Fun Facts About Pink Eye

Did you know?

• Pink eye isn’t always contagious. Allergic conjunctivitis, for example, isn’t something you can spread to someone else.
• Viral pink eye is very common and antibiotics won’t treat a virus.
• Bacterial pink eye may require antibiotic treatment, but an eye doctor should determine whether that’s actually the cause.
• Itching can be a big clue. Eyes that are extremely itchy, watery, and affecting both eyes may point more toward allergies.
• Pink eye doesn’t always look bright pink. Redness can be mild or severe and may come with watering, discharge, crusting, swelling, or irritation.
• Kids aren’t the only ones who get it! Pink eye can happen at any age.
• Contact lens wearers need to be extra careful. A red or painful eye while wearing contacts can sometimes be something more serious than simple conjunctivitis.
• Good handwashing really does matter. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can spread through contaminated hands and objects.
• Don’t share eye makeup. Mascara, eyeliner, towels, pillowcases, and other personal items can help spread germs.
• A red eye isn’t automatically pink eye. Several eye conditions can cause redness, which is why an exam can be important.

❓ Pink Eye Q&A

Is pink eye contagious?

Sometimes! Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be contagious, while pink eye caused by allergies or irritation generally isn’t.

Do I automatically need antibiotic drops?

No. Antibiotics treat bacteria, not viruses or allergies. Using an old bottle of antibiotic drops you have at home isn’t a good idea either. Your eye doctor can determine what treatment is appropriate.

Can I go to work or school with pink eye?

That depends on what’s causing it, your symptoms, and the policies of your school or workplace. If you think you may have contagious pink eye, it’s best to have it evaluated and follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Can I wear my contacts if my eye is red?

It’s safest to remove your contacts and leave them out until you’ve been evaluated, especially if you have pain, discharge, light sensitivity, or changes in vision.

Should I throw away my eye makeup?

Depending on the cause, products that have been in contact with an infected eye may need to be replaced to reduce the chance of reinfection.

When should I call the eye doctor?

If your eye is red and you’re not sure why, give us a call. And don’t wait if you’re experiencing eye pain, significant light sensitivity, changes in vision, worsening swelling, an eye injury, or severe symptoms.

🩷 One Month, Two Important Reminders

Pinktober reminds us how important awareness, education, early detection, and taking care of our health can be.

And when it comes to your eyes, the same idea applies. Don’t ignore something that doesn’t look or feel right.

At Clara Vista Eyecare, we’re here for much more than glasses and contacts. Red eyes, irritated eyes, sudden changes, infections, injuries, or just that feeling that something isn’t right — that’s eye care too.

So this October, wear your pink, support Pinktober, wash those hands…and please don’t share the other kind of pink! 😉💗👁️

Clara Vista Eyecare
Clear vision. Healthy eyes. Care you can count on.