What Is “Red Eye Disease”? Is It Contagious?

With the emergence of various electronic devices, people are increasingly exposed to screens daily—often working overtime and staying up late to use computers, while some students even stay awake all night playing video games. Consequently, eye-related disorders have become one of the most prevalent health concerns in modern society, with conjunctivitis (commonly known as “pink eye”) being relatively common. So, what exactly is pink eye—and is it contagious?

What Is Pink Eye, and Is It Contagious?

Pink eye is a form of bacterial conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious. Symptoms typically develop within several hours to a few days after exposure. Medically, it is termed acute or subacute bacterial conjunctivitis—colloquially referred to as “pink eye.” Redness of the eye is a hallmark symptom of conjunctivitis, resulting either from dilation of conjunctival blood vessels (appearing as visible red streaks) or from subconjunctival hemorrhage (presenting as pinpoint or patchy bleeding).

Some patients may also experience additional symptoms such as eyelid swelling and itching along the eyelid margins. Common causative bacteria include *Haemophilus influenzae* and *Staphylococcus aureus*. Rubbing the eyes can transfer bacteria onto the hands; subsequently, shaking hands with others may allow these bacteria to enter another person’s conjunctiva, thereby completing transmission. During the acute phase, patients should be isolated to prevent further infection and interrupt transmission. If only one eye is affected, preventive measures must be taken to protect the unaffected eye.

Patients are advised to maintain good ocular hygiene, avoid excessive eye strain, practice appropriate personal protection, and keep personal items secure to minimize the risk of transmitting the infection to others. We hope this information proves helpful.