A 32-year-old member asked:
Can you please tell me how pink eye and a regular eye infection differ?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Todd Purkissanswered
Ophthalmology 19 years experience
Cause: Most "pinkeye" or conjunctivitis is actually viral, so antibiotic eye drops are usually not effective. Viral conjunctivitis tends to run it's course in 7-10 days. It can be very contagious, spreading from one eye to the other or to other people. Hand washing is essential. To be certain it is not a more serious bacterial or fungal infection, you should see an ophthalmologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
How does pink eye and a regular eye infection differ?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Richard Bensingeranswered
Ophthalmology 54 years experience
Usually the same: Pink eye is the popular term for conjunctivitis which is usually viral. The eyes can become infected by many different organisms so pink eye is simply a description but not a diagnosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me the difference between pink eye and a regular eye infection?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Robert Changanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
Conjunctivitis: Pink eye is the colloquial term implying a viral conjunctivitis. Thus this type of eye infection is more contagious, but regular eye infection can include all conjunctivitis types such as viral, bacterial, allergic, etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
How can you tell the difference between pink eye and another eye infection?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Jeffrey Whitmananswered
Ophthalmology 47 years experience
Eye doctor: Only an eye specialist can differentiate this for you.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 14, 2015
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