Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Care at Diane Hilal-Campo, MD & Associates
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Symptoms & When to Seek Care
Recognizing symptoms early helps you get the right care and avoid complications. Most pink eye improves with proper treatment, but some signs mean a same-day exam is needed. We offer urgent appointments for severe or unclear cases.
Typical signs include redness, tearing, irritation, and mild sensitivity to light.
- Stringy, mucous, or watery discharge
- Eyelids stuck shut, especially after waking
- Itchy, gritty, or burning feeling
- Mild eyelid swelling
- Blurred vision or light sensitivity
These may be signs of a more serious problem and should be checked promptly.
- Eye pain or severe light sensitivity
- Sudden vision changes, double vision, or decreased eyesight
- Symptoms after an eye injury or chemical splash
- Floaters or flashes with redness
- High fever or pre-existing eye condition alongside pink eye
Kids can spread pink eye in schools and daycare easily. Contact lens wearers are at higher risk of complications; stop lens use if you develop red eye and bring used lenses to your exam.
Bacterial conjunctivitis often improves within 24–48 hours of starting drops. Viral cases can last a week or longer. Allergic symptoms usually flare with exposure and improve when triggers are managed.
How It Spreads & Prevention
Good hygiene reduces the risk of transmission. Simple changes in daily habits at home, work, and school protect you and those around you.
Viral pink eye is contagious while eyes are red and watery, sometimes for days after. Bacterial types are less contagious after starting antibiotics. Allergic and irritant forms are not contagious.
Follow these steps until your eyes are clear.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
- Use your own towels, pillowcases, and makeup
- Disinfect shared surfaces like phones or doorknobs
- Do not share eyedrops, contact lens cases, or cosmetics
- Use clean contact lenses and proper solutions
Stay home if discharge is active and it’s difficult to maintain hygiene. Return when symptoms are improving and you can avoid close contact, or after 24 hours on antibiotics for bacterial conjunctivitis.
Beauty choices can help prevent recurrence or worsening of conjunctivitis.
- Discard eye cosmetics used during infection
- Replace mascara, eyeliners, and lash tools every 3 months
- Remove makeup fully each night
- Never share makeup or lash extension equipment
- Skip lash extensions during active eye symptoms
Teach kids not to share personal items, monitor symptoms in multi-child households, and schedule exams promptly for school-related exposures. Hygiene routines help protect everyone.
- Teach children hand washing and not touching their eyes
- Don’t share washcloths, sheets, or towels
- Keep sick kids home if they have discharge or lots of irritation
- Schedule prompt exams for unclear or severe cases
Home Care & Comfort Tips
Simple steps can soothe your eyes and complement medical treatment, supporting a comfortable recovery.
Gentle care helps calm the surface of your eye.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears for comfort
- Apply cool compresses for 5–10 minutes, several times a day
- Clean lids and lashes with diluted baby shampoo or lid wipes
Taking precautions while your eyes heal helps prevent recurrence or complications.
- Do not wear contact lenses until cleared by your doctor
- Avoid eye makeup or lash extensions
- Skip over-the-counter redness relievers unless recommended
Proper cleaning reduces the risk of reinfection.
- Wash pillowcases, towels, and washcloths in hot water
- Disinfect glasses and sunglasses
- Replace opened eye cosmetics and avoid sharing products
Most people feel better as redness fades, discharge stops, and comfort returns. Call promptly if symptoms persist, worsen, or new changes develop.
Pink Eye FAQs
Here are answers to common questions our patients ask about pink eye, based on Dr. Hilal-Campo’s experience and up-to-date ophthalmic guidance.
No. Viral and many bacterial cases are contagious, but allergic and irritant forms are not. We will explain your specific case and the precautions needed.
Only bacterial pink eye needs antibiotics. Viral and allergic cases improve with supportive or anti-allergy care. Our team prescribes what’s right for your condition.
Bacterial conjunctivitis often improves within a few days of starting antibiotics. Viral forms can last 7–14 days. Allergic symptoms can come and go with exposure to triggers.
Children may return when symptoms are improving, and they can maintain hygiene. Many schools allow return after 24 hours on antibiotics for bacterial cases.
No. Stop wearing contact lenses until your eyes are clear and we confirm it’s safe to resume.
Discard eye cosmetics used before or during the infection, and replace mascara and eyeliners. Never share makeup brushes or products.
Preservative-free lubricating drops and cool compresses can ease discomfort. Avoid redness reliever drops unless specifically recommended by our doctors.
Schedule a recheck with our office. Persistent or worsening symptoms may be due to a different condition or require new treatment.
Schedule Your Pink Eye Evaluation Today
Contact Diane Hilal-Campo, MD & Associates at (201) 337-9300 or visit our Oakland office for expert, compassionate care. New patients are welcome, and same-day visits are often available for Ridgewood, Wayne, Paramus, and surrounding areas.
