Red, watery or sticky eyes? Learn the difference between viral, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye), how to stop it spreading at home and school, and warning signs that need urgent care.
Every year, especially during humid months and when schools reopen, many families in Haripur deal with pink eye, known as aankh aana. Medically it is called conjunctivitis: inflammation of the thin clear membrane covering the white of the eye. Most cases are mild, but knowing the type helps you treat it correctly and stop it spreading.
Three Main Types
| Type | Typical signs | Contagious? |
|---|---|---|
| Viral | Watery discharge, gritty feeling, often starts in one eye and spreads to the other; may follow a cold | Very |
| Bacterial | Thick yellow or green discharge, eyelids stuck together in the morning | Yes |
| Allergic | Intense itching, watering, swollen lids, both eyes; often with sneezing; seasonal | No |
Home Care
- Clean discharge gently with cooled boiled water and a fresh cotton pad for each eye
- Cool compresses for comfort and swelling
- Stop wearing contact lenses until fully recovered; throw away lenses worn during the infection
- Do not use old or someone else’s eye drops
- Avoid steroid drops unless prescribed after an eye examination; misuse can cause serious harm
Stopping the Spread at Home and School
- Wash hands often with soap, especially after touching the eyes
- Separate towels, pillowcases and handkerchiefs
- Do not share eye makeup, surma or kohl applicators
- Children with infectious conjunctivitis may need to stay home for a few days; follow your doctor’s or school’s advice
Allergic Conjunctivitis in Spring
Haripur’s spring pollen and dusty summers trigger allergic eyes in many people. Avoid rubbing; frequent rubbing is linked with corneal problems like keratoconus. Read our summer eye care tips on dust and allergies.
When Is a Red Eye an Emergency?
See an eye professional promptly if you have:
- Significant eye pain, not just irritation
- Reduced or blurred vision that does not clear with blinking
- Strong light sensitivity
- A red eye in a contact lens wearer, which could be a corneal infection
- Redness after an injury or chemical splash
- Symptoms in a newborn baby
More on urgent situations: Eye Emergency in Haripur.
How Long Does Pink Eye Last?
Viral conjunctivitis often takes one to two weeks to settle, sometimes longer. Bacterial cases usually improve within days with appropriate treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis lasts as long as exposure to the trigger continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need antibiotic drops?
No. Viral and allergic conjunctivitis do not respond to antibiotics. An eye examination helps decide the right treatment.
Can I go to work with pink eye?
With viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, limit close contact and practise strict hand hygiene. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Is it safe to use rose water or home remedies?
Avoid putting anything non-sterile into the eye. Clean cool compresses are safer.
Visit Sardar Eye Clinic & Optics, Haripur
Railway Station Road, Central Jail Bazar, Haripur · Open 7 days, 10am – 8:30pm · Free eye camp every Sunday, 10am – 2pm
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Medically reviewed by
Optometrist at Sardar Eye Clinic & Optics, Railway Station Road, Haripur, BS Optometry (Khyber Medical University) and hospital training at HMC Peshawar and Abbottabad Medical Complex, experienced in eye examinations, glasses and contact-lens prescriptions, and children’s eye care. This article is for general information — book an eye test for advice about your own eyes.
