Pink Eye 101: What You Need to Know & Expert Care in Hamden

It’s always a good idea to visit an eye doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms of pink eye. An untreated case of pink eye or mistaken self-diagnosis of symptoms, may lead to complications, and in rare cases, more serious eye conditions.

The good news? With prompt care, pink eye typically clears up quickly—sometimes within 24 hours if it’s bacterial, or within a few days if it’s viral.

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Spotlight on Care: This Month’s Featured Eye Doctor

Dr. Susel Oropesa, MD.

Dr. Susel Oropesa, a Yale- and Columbia-trained board-certified surgeon, brings expertise and compassion to her work in cataract surgery, Glaucoma, Retina, and general ophthalmology. Fluent in English and Spanish, she connects with patients on a personal level, delivering exceptional eye care that inspires confidence and clarity.

Awards & Leadership Highlights

Board-certified ophthalmic surgeon specializing in advanced refractive cataract surgery.
Served as Chief Resident during her Ophthalmology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, demonstrating exceptional leadership and clinical expertise.
Expert in providing comprehensive, individually tailored preventive and corrective eye care, ensuring the highest standards of surgical precision.
Accomplished graduate of Columbia University, reflecting top-tier medical training and a strong academic foundation.
Renowned for expertise in the latest advancements in cataract surgery, enhancing patient outcomes through innovative techniques.

Reviews

“This was my first time seeing Dr. Oropesa and she was just wonderful!”
“ Dr. Oropesa is great- my first time visiting there. Would highly recommend!”
“Very pleased with Dr.Oropesa and her staff”
“Dr. Oropesa and the rest of the staff are all very friendly and helpful. My appointment was on time and efficient. Great experience.”

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What is Pink Eye?

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin tissue covering the white part of your eye. It’s often caused by a virus but can also result from bacterial infections, allergies (like pollen, mold, or makeup), or chemical irritants. While it’s usually not serious, pink eye can be uncomfortable and contagious, making it important to seek the right treatment.

Understanding the Different Types of Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Viral Conjunctivitis

Cause: Most often caused by adenovirus but can also be due to other viruses like enterovirus, herpes simplex or varicella-zoster.
Symptoms: Red, watery eyes, itching, light sensitivity, often occurring with cold or sore throat symptoms.
Contagious: Yes, it spreads easily through contact with infected eye fluids. A person with viral conjunctivitis remains contagious for around 10-12 days after symptoms first appear.
Treatment: There’s no specific treatment, but the infection usually clears up within a week on its own. In some cases antiviral medication may be prescribed.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Cause: Often due to improper contact lens use or poor hygiene, and can occur alongside colds. Bacterial conjunctivitis accounts for over 50% of cases in children, and is especially common in kids under 4, but is less common in adults.
Symptoms: Thick, yellow or green discharge, redness, and discomfort in one or both eyes.
Contagious: Yes, it spreads through direct contact with infected eye secretions. Without treatment it typically lasts for 7-10 days, with antibiotics it typically clears up after 24-48 hours.
Treatment: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are typically prescribed, and symptoms usually improve within a few days.

Irritant, Chemical, or Traumatic Conjunctivitis

Cause

Irritant and traumatic conjunctivitis can result from dry eye, chemical splashes (such as acid or alkali), foreign bodies in the eye, eye irrigation, abrasions, or blunt trauma. Minor irritants, like swimming pool chlorine or fumes, typically cause mild symptoms, while chemical splashes or traumatic conjunctivitis tend to be more serious and require prompt attention. Redness and discharge may persist for 12 to 24 hours after a foreign body is expelled.

Symptoms

Discharge that is more mucus than tears in addition to typical pink eye symptoms in mild cases. More serious cases can include large amounts of swelling, severe pain, and decreased vision.

Contagious

Treatment

For mild cases flushing the eye with saline or running water to remove the irritant will tend to clear up the symptoms after 24 hours.

Is It Bacterial Conjunctivitis? Key Symptoms to Watch For

Thick, yellow or green discharge

One of the hallmark signs of bacterial conjunctivitis is a sticky, thick discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep.

Swollen eyelids

The eyelids may become puffy or swollen due to the infection.

Foreign body sensation

Similar to viral conjunctivitis, some people may feel like there’s something stuck in their eye.

Blurred vision

The thick discharge can blur vision temporarily.

Mild sensitivity to light (photophobia)

While not as common as in viral cases, some people may experience light sensitivity.

Sinus infections

an lead to bacterial conjunctivitis due to the spread of bacteria from the nasal cavity to the eyes.

Ear infections

especially in children, are also linked to bacterial conjunctivitis, as the bacteria from the ear can migrate through connected passages.

Common Symptoms of Viral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Feeling like something is in your eye

It may feel like there’s something stuck in your eye, even when there isn’t.

Mild Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Bright lights might make your eyes feel uncomfortable or irritated.

Blurry vision

Your vision may temporarily become blurry due to excess tearing or discharge.

Cold symptoms

Viral pink eye is often caused by the same virus that causes the common cold (adenovirus). You may also notice swollen lymph nodes near your ear or jaw, along with cold symptoms like a sore throat or runny nose.

What are common symptoms of irritant, chemical, or traumatic conjunctivitis?

Watery Discharge

The discharge from the eye is more watery or mucous-like, rather than thick and pus-like.

Lower Eye Inflammation

The lower part of the eye is more affected than the upper part, especially if it's due to a chemical splash.

Home Care Tips

While waiting for your appointment you should:

Stop wearing contact lenses until the infection clears.
Avoid using eye makeup, and toss any makeup used while you were infected.
Use clean towels and washcloths, and avoid sharing them with others.
Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes.
Apply a cool compress to relieve irritation.

Don’t Let Eye Irritations Linger – Get Expert Care Today!

Pink eye can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and sometimes even serious. Whether you're dealing with redness, irritation, or discharge, getting the right diagnosis and treatment is key to a speedy recovery. Our expert team at ReFocus Eye Health in Hamden is here to provide fast, effective relief tailored to your needs.

Same-day and next-day appointments available
Advanced diagnostics for accurate treatment
Trusted specialists in eye infections and overall eye health

Your vision and comfort matter. Let’s get you back to feeling—and seeing—your best.

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Notes

For urgent eye issues or emergencies, ReFocus Eye Health strongly recommends calling a location nearest to you. Emergency eye care may constitute any of the following: 1. vision loss; 2. different size pupils; 3. double vision; 4. bleeding from the eye; 5. Swelling; 6. eye pain that doesn't lessen on its own; and/ or 7. eye pain accompanied by a headache. If you experience any of the following issues above, we recommend that you seek immediate medical attention.

For after-hour eye emergencies, please visit your local ER or Urgent Care Center, or dial 911.

203-597-5448